W. Java officials grilled over graft

W. Java officials grilled over graft

BANDUNG: Prosecutors in West Java have begun questioning six
councillors over their alleged involvement in graft amounting to
Rp 33.4 billion (US$3.9 million).

The six members of the West Java legislative council are Irfan
Anshori of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Tatang Asramulhakim
of the United Development Party (PPP), Asep S. Hermawan of the
Golkar Party, Sutisna Karnadiupra of the police-military faction,
A.E. Bunyamin of the National Awakening Party and Rudy Harsa
Tanaya from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan).

They were quizzed separately by 12 prosecutors on Thursday
about the case, said Rocky Kolloway, spokesman for the West Java
Prosecutor's Office.

Rp 33.4 billion was disbursed from the province's budget and
was allegedly distributed to councillors to buy plots of land.

"The six councillors have admitted they received Rp 250
million each, but denied knowing that the money was obtained via
unlawful procedures," Kolloway said.

He said the two council speakers, Suyaman and Kurdi Moekri,
both of whom have been named as suspects in the case, had not yet
been summoned. --JP