State loses US$3.5 million

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)