The Jakarta Corruption Court has sentenced former Home Ministry officials Irman and Sugiharto to seven and five years in prison, respectively, for their roles in a scheme to swindle billions from a budget earmarked for the multi-million dollars electronic identity card (e-ID) project.

In a verdict delivered on Thursday, judges at the court also ordered Irman and Sugiharto to pay Rp 500 million (around US$37,500) and Rp 400 million in fine, respectively.

Both defendants told the court they accepted the verdict and would not appeal.

Judges declared both defendants guilty of conspiring to enrich themselves and others by rigging the Rp 5.9 trillion e-ID project, which caused Rp 2.3 trillion in state losses.

When the trial of Irman and Sugiharto kicked off in early March, KPK prosecutors revealed that the corruption scandal had involved more than 37 lawmakers at the House of Representatives, former high-ranking state officials as well as executives at private companies.

Individuals implicated in the case include current House speaker Setya Novanto, who was named suspect on Monday and businessman Andi "Narogong" Agustinus, who was awarded procurement projects  for Rp 5.9 trillion program.

According to KPK indictment on Irman and Sugiharto, then Golkar Party faction leader Setya received Rp 574 billion for his role in lobbying lawmakers in the House to approve budget allocation for the project. (kuk/ary)