Bangli Bupati Behind Bars

(10/5/2012)

The Denpasar District Court has handed down a sentence of 6 years prison to the former regent (bupati) of Bangli, I Nengah Arwana, for his role in the corruption of Rp. 1.395 billion (US$146,900) in funds designated for social assistance

Beritabali.com reports that the sentence was handed down by presiding judge, IGAB Komang Wijaya Adhi, who ruled that Arwana, who had served two terms as Bangli’s regent, was guilty of the corruption committed in 2010.

The sentence was slightly less than the 6.5 years in prison initially sought by prosecutors.

Judge Adhi declared that Arwana had been conclusively proven to have cooperated in an ongoing series of corrupt acts. In ruling the former regent guilty, the court rejected Arnawa’s explanation that the missing funds were now in the hands of his replacement, the current regent of Bangli I Made Gianyar.

The judge also ruled that Arnawa violated regulations and official procedures by dividing up the missing funds and then asking after the fact that the treasurer create accountings justifying the misappropriation.

The courts also handed down a four-year sentence to Cokorda Istri Tresna Dewi, the former private secretary of Arnawa, for her role in the corruption. Tresna Dewi was found to have filed false reports that five villages had received regency funds when, in fact, that was not the case.

Both Arnawa and Tresna Dewi received a supplementary fine of Rp. 300 million (US$31,600) that if left unpaid will add two more months to their respective sentences.

The court also ordered Arnawa to repay the state the corrupted Rp. 1.395 billion. If Arnawa fails to make the required restitution within one month of the final verdict, the State will be entitled to seize and auction his personal possessions. Should the funds recovered via the auction still be insufficient to repay the state, one year will be added to Arnawa’s six-year sentence.