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udges at the Pekanbaru Corruption Court on Thursday handed down a four-year sentence against former Siak regent Arwin AS for his involvement in a graft case over the issuance of forestry permits.

The court also demanded Arwin pay a fine of Rp 200 million (US$23,500) or face another two months in prison, and return Rp 800 million and $2,000 to the state, failing which his assets would be seized in one month’s time. If the value of the assets proves inadequate, Arwin will face another 10 months in jail.

The verdict against Arwin, who was Siak regent for two terms, was read out by the judges on Thursday. The panel of judges, led by Muefri, determined that Arwin was guilty of committing graft in granting permits to five forestry companies operating in Siak — PT Bina Daya Bintara, PT Nasional Timber and Forest Product, PT Seraya Sumber Lestari, PT Balai Kayang Mandiri and PT Rimba Mandau Lestari.

“The defendant was guilty of enriching himself and accepting Rp 800 million, in addition to $2,000 from the companies, for the issuance of Timber Plantation Utilization permits, which according to the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP), caused the state to suffer Rp 301.65 billion in losses,” said Muefri.

Muefri acknowledged differences of opinion among the judges in reaching their verdict. “Two of the judges deemed that the defendant was proven guilty of violating Article 11 of Law No. 31/1999 on Corruption Eradication, while three other judges deemed that the defendant had violated Article 2 of the law, according to the indictment presented by prosecutors from the Corruption Eradication Commission [KPK],” he said.

The verdict was lighter than the prosecution demand of five years’ imprisonment, a Rp 200 million fine and the stipulation that Arwin repay the Rp 800 million and $2,000.

Arwin was seen shedding tears repeatedly during the hearing. He became weak the moment the judge read out the sentence, so much so that when the hearing ended, Arwin had to be physically carried out of the courtroom.

Arwin’s lawyer, Zulkifli Nasution, said his team would file an appeal against the verdict.

“We deem the verdict misleading because it is not in accordance with the facts and witness testimonies presented during the trial. We strongly object and will appeal,” said Zulkifli.