Former legislators arrested for forest conversion

JAKARTA: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Wednesday arrested three former lawmakers who were allegedly involved in the decision to clear protected forest areas to make way for Tanjung Api-api seaport in South Sumatra.

The three were Fachri Andi Leluasa, Hilman Indra and Azwar Chesputra. Using the moniker "Gegana Team", they allegedly lobbied government to allow the project to go ahead smoothly. Fachri, Hilman and Azwar were all named suspects in May 2009.

"We respect the legal process," Fachri said as quoted by detik.com before being transported to a detention center.

The lawmakers allegedly received Rp 1.5 billion for their roles.

Another former lawmaker, Yusuf Erwin Faishal, has been on trial for his alleged role in the same case. Prosecutors have demanded he serve six-and-a-half years' imprisonment and pay Rp 250 million (US$ 20,800) in fines. Prosecutors said several legislators received Rp 5 billion from a businessman to speed up the process.

Earlier, another former lawmaker, Sarjan Taher, had been sentenced to four-and-a-half years' imprisonment in the same case. - JP