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West Papuan People's Assembly secretary detained over corruption
The Papuan provincial prosecutor's office detained the West Papuan Peopleâs Assembly (MRPB) secretary, Soleman Sikrit, and his colleague, Zainal Abidin, on Monday for their alleged role in corruption related to the construction of the MRPB building at a cost of Rp 3 billion (US$264,713)
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The Papuan provincial prosecutor's office detained the West Papuan People's Assembly (MRPB) secretary, Soleman Sikrit, and his colleague, Zainal Abidin, on Monday for their alleged role in corruption related to the construction of the MRPB building at a cost of Rp 3 billion (US$264,713).
Soleman and Zainal were sent to Abepura Penitentiary in Jayapura, Papua, after being interrogated. 'They were detained after we found enough evidence indicating their involvement in the case,' Papuan prosecutor's office spokesman, Obeth Ansanay, said on Monday night.
Obeth explained that his office found fictitious reports on the construction of the MPRB building. He said that in 2012 Soleman, in his capacity as West Papua Political Development Agency chief, allocated Rp 6 billion for the construction of the MRPB building. Then as MPRB secretary in 2013 he earmarked another Rp 3 billion for the project.
'In reality, however, only a garage was built worth around Rp 160 million from the allocated funds. The building was financed entirely with funds from the 2012 budget,' said Obeth as quoted by kompas.com.
If convicted, Soleman and Zainal each face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Obeth further said it was possible there would be other suspects in the case. (atw)
