Ex-minister Rokhmin released from prison

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 11/25/2009 4:14 PM  |  National

Former minister for maritime and fisheries affairs Rokhmin Dahuri has been released on parole from prison for good behavior after serving two thirds of his sentence at the Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta.

Some of his family members and collegues welcomed Rokhmin's departure from the prison on Wednesday. Some of them are prominent figures like People’s Consultative Assembly Speaker Taufik Kiemas, Paramadina University Rector Anies Baswedan and economist Aviliani.

Rokhmin told Antara state news agency that he would return to work as a lecturer and researcher after completing his imprisonment.

Chandran Lestyono, spokesperson of the Justice and Human Rights Ministry for Penitentiary General Directorate, said the former minister had completed all administrative requirements, including paying Rp 200 million (US$ 21,000) in fine.

In 2007, the Corruption Court sentenced Rokhmin to seven years in jail and Rp 250 million in fines for being proven to have misused his power to illegally collect and use Rp 11. 5 billion from regional offices of his ministry.

The money was then instead used for programs outside of the state budget, like for fishermen, Islamic boarding schools and legislators. None of the recipients have been charged, however.

He also used some part of the money for his personal expenses, such as pilgrimage and a car.

The Supreme Court then cut his sentence into four and a half years and Rp 200 million in fine after he had filed an appeal. (ewd)

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