Semarang regent detained in graft investigation

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 05/29/2007 8:40 AM

Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang

The Ambarawa Prosecutor's Office in Central Java on Monday detained Semarang Regent Bambang Guritno over alleged irregularities in the procurement of elementary schoolbooks worth Rp 3.3 billion (US$366,600 million), in 2004.

Bambang, accompanied by Semarang regency administration spokesman Supardjo, lawyer Anshari Harsa and a number of local leaders, arrived at Central Java's High Court in Semarang.

The court had summoned Bambang twice previously, but he failed to show both times on the grounds that he was on duty. He arrived at the court Monday guarded by members of the Police's Mobile Brigade.

He was questioned for more than 90 minutes in a closed-door session. When he emerged later, the regent declined to answer questions from reporters.

Head of the high court's information section, Farda Nawawi, said the case had been officially transferred to the Ambarawa Prosecutor's Office.

""The case has shifted from the investigation stage to the filing of a civil suit. Bambang's detention is by the authority of investigators at the Ambarawa Prosecutor's Office,"" Farda said.

Bambang's lawyer, Ansori, said his client had provided evidence and documents guaranteeing he would not flee and therefore there was no need to detain him.

Bambang was taken from the high court to the Ambarawa Prosecutor's Office, where investigators detained him.

Head of the office, Widoyoko, said the order for detention was under strict instructions of the attorney general.

""His instructions follow that all graft suspects must be detained,"" he said.

Based on the Criminal Code, Widoyoko said the detention would last 20 days. After this, investigators will decide whether to continue or postpone the case.

""On June 4, the suspect will be sent to a court hearing,"" he said.

Bambang is charged with receiving fees amounting to Rp 650 million from the procurement of schoolbooks from publishers during his term from 2000 to 2005.

Bambang was reelected for a second term from 2005 to 2010.

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