A man who once allegedly cheated President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono with an alternative energy project called “Blue Energy”, went on trial on Monday for defrauding a university in Yogyakarta of Rp 1.5 billion (US$127,118).
The team of prosecutors charged Djoko for violating article No. 378 of the Criminal Code for deception and article No. 372 of the Criminal Code for embezzlement. Each carry a maximum penalty of four years jail.
The defendant, Djoko Suprapto, 48, is accused of making bogus business deals with Muhammadiyah University.
Djoko’s first promised project to develop an alternative fuel that would use seawater as a substitute for fossil-based fuels.
The university launched the new fuel as “Banyugeni”, which literally means fire water, and had handed over Rp 625 million to Djoko to procure seawater refinery machine.
His second proposed development was the “Jodhipati” power plant in Bantul region, which he claimed would be able to generate three megawatts of electricity — the university gave Djoko money for the project. The university has since broken down the “Jodhipati” installation.
Wearing deep-red clothes, Djoko arrived at Bantul Court at about 9:45 a.m. He was not accompanied by his lawyer but instead his family members, including wife Winda Mirah.
His previous lawyer, Susantyo, has resigned.
Local residents and UMY students packed the court for the one hour trial. It seems everyone here wants to witness the trial of the controversial figure, who claimed to have invented the alternative “Blue Energy”, a name which was reportedly chosen by the President.
Djoko said that he would write his defense statement by himself, without a lawyer. He added that he was ready for the next part of the trial and hoped it would soon end.
The trial was adjourned until Nov. 20, when the defense’s statement will be read, Djoko has been sent back to Bantul penitentiary until then.
The judges team consists of Suprapti and V Banar T and is lead by Purwono. They have called the prosecuting team to set trial as early as possible, as the case has already attracted a great deal of attention.
“As there are 27 witnesses who will give statements, I propose we set trial meetings twice a week,” Purwono added in his closing statements.
