DPD reports 4 graft scandals, Rp 36.7 b in losses to KPK

The Regional Representatives Council (DPD) reported Friday four graft cases had been discovered in three provinces and a state firm, accounting for Rp 36.7 billion (US$ 3.14 million) in diverted public funds, tempointeraktif.com has reported.

DPD chairman for corruption Marwan Batubara said the report filed with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was based on an audit by the Supreme Audit Agency. He enumerated the four incidents, estimating the state's losses in each.

The first case revolved around procurement of generators in Riau's Rokan Hulu regency in 2005 and 2006 which cost the state Rp 11.2 billion (US$957,000).

The second involved Papua provincial officials dipping into public funds in 2006. "They allegedly used part of their regional allocation for personal benefit, siphoning off Rp 5.2 billion," he said.

The third scandal implicates state-owned ferry operator PT Angkutan Sungai, Danau dan Penyeberangan (ASDP) Indonesia Ferry in its procurement of used Korean-made ships and tsunami aid projects to benefit Aceh residents between 2003 and 2007.

"The state lost Rp 12.6 billion and US$660,000 in these improprieties," he said.

The fourth case had to do with the procurement of Trouck Mounted electrical generators by a regional arm of the state-owned electricity firm PT PLN located in Borang in South Sumatra. (ewd)