Tana Toraja regent stands trial for graft
Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi | Thu, 09/02/2010 6:32 PM
State prosecutors indicted Tana Toraja regent Johanis Amping Situru on Thursday on charges of misusing Rp 1.6 billion (US$177,700) in regional budget in 2003 and 2004.
In their indictment read out at the Makassar District Court, the prosecutors said Johanis had committed abuse of power by embezzling regional budget allocated for emergency fund and community assistance.
The state prosecutors said the corruption also involved deputy regent Andrianus Palino Popang and regional secretary Corlenius Lempang Palimbong, who stand trial separately.
Johanis, who will end his term on Sept. 26, is charged under the Anticorruption law and the Criminal Code.
His lawyers objected to the charges and said they would read out their defense argument when the trial resumes next week.
The lawyers also requested a temporary release of the defendant, saying he had to prepare all necessary documents during the transfer of power on Sept. 26.
