State loses US$3.5 million

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Misappropriation of local government funds has lost the state Rp 7.9 billion (US$3.5 million) over the past six years, it was disclosed yesterday.

Head of the supervisory board here Willy P. Naiborhu said the misappropriation of funds involved 13 government agencies between 1990 and 1996.

Naiborhu was quoted by Antara as saying the biggest misappropriation occurred in the Public Works office where over Rp 898 million was lost, followed by the forestry office where Rp 364.5 million went unaccounted for.

The other misappropriations happened in the agriculture office, which lost Rp 203 million, the regional development planning board, Rp 67 million, and the revenue agency Rp 861 million.

Deputy Governor D. Muchidin who accompanied Naibohru yesterday said he was surprised by the findings and his administration would follow up the report. (08)