Two senior Pelindo staff grilled in Cilacap

Agus Maryono ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Cilacap   |  Sat, 05/03/2008 11:14 AM  |  The Archipelago

Police in Banyumas, Central Java, are currently investigating a graft case implicating the general manager of the state-owned port management company PT Pelindo III.

On Friday, the police questioned company general manager Didik Haryanto and his associate Leo Suhartadi, the company's business manager.

Both have been named suspects in a case involving coal shipments at Cilacap port.

Banyumas police detective chief Comr. Irwanto said the police were still processing the case.

"We are still studying the case files and we strongly believe both of them are involved. We will hand over the case files to prosecutors in Cilacap probably within the week," Irwanto said.

Our investigations show Didik and Leo demanded money from heavy machinery businessman Edi Santoso, who operates at the Tanjung Intan Port, Irwanto said.

Didik allegedly demanded Rp 800 (approximately 8 U.S. cents) for each kilogram of coal unloaded at the port, while Leo received Rp 200 per ton of coal.

"The payments have been going on from 2005 up to July 2007," said Irwanto.

Based on calculations conducted by the Banyumas police, Didik has likely received up to Rp 237 million, while Leo a total sum of Rp 60 million.

"They could be charged with violating a corruption law," said Irwanto.

Irwanto said the alleged actions of the pair violates an article stating it is against the law for civil servants to misuse their authority for individual gain.

If found guilty, they could be sentenced to up to 20 years imprisonment and fined between Rp 200 million to Rp 1 billion.

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