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AKARTA: Former maritime affairs and fisheries minister, Rokhmin Dahuri, has been released on parole for good behavior after serving two thirds of his sentence at the Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta.

Some of his family members and colleagues, including prominent figures like People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Taufik Kiemas, Paramadina University rector Anies Baswedan and economist Aviliani, welcomed Rokhmin's departure from the prison on Wednesday. Rokhmin told Antara state news agency that he would return to work as a lecturer and researcher after completing his sentence.

Chandran Lestyono, spokesman for the Justice and Human Rights Ministry for the Penitentiary General Directorate, said the former minister had completed all administrative requirements, including paying a Rp 200 million (US$ 21,000) fine.

In 2007, the Corruption Court sentenced Rokhmin to seven years in jail and Rp 250 million in fines for abusing his power by illegally collecting Rp 11. 5 billion from regional offices in his ministry.

The money was used for programs outside of the state budget, including programs for fishermen, Islamic boarding schools and legislators. None of the recipients have been charged. He also used some of the money for personal expenses, including his haj pilgrimage and purchasing a private car.