Theresia Sufa The Jakarta Post/Bogor

Bogor District Court opened on Tuesday the trial of incumbent deputy mayor, Mochamad Sahid, who has been accused of embezzling Rp 8.85 billion (US$2.09 million) of Bogor council funds in 2002, when he was the council's speaker.

Taking turns reading the indictment, prosecutors Nasran Azis and Bazatulo Telaumbanua told the courtroom that the defendant, who was the council speaker for the 1999-2004 period and chairman of the council's budget committee, had allegedly abused his authority to increase his and fellow councillors' take-home pay.

The prosecutors charged Sahid under Article 2 of Law No. 31/1999 on corruption, which carries penalties of between four years' and life imprisonment, as well as fines of between Rp 200 million and Rp 1 billion.

"The defendant was aware of the now-defunct government regulation, No. 110/2000, on the financial status of council members but he ignored it while setting the budget for the council in 2002," the prosecutor said.

According to the regulation, a councillor is eligible to receive honorariums for their attendance and extra allowances in their capacities as commission members and councillors.

In the 2002 budget, the councillors were allocated a total of Rp. 8.85 billion for housing, telecommunications, clothing, transportation and utilities allowances, as well as bonuses and free health care. Speakers and the heads of commissions were paid higher salaries and received insurance.

Presiding judge Sarifudin decided to hold hearings twice a week in a bid to expedite the trial. "I feel pity for the defendant," he said.

After five weeks under city arrest due to health issues, Sahid resumed his stay in Paledang Penitentiary on Nov. 25.