Corrupted COVID-19 Aid Fund, Former Banjar Village Head Sari Zuri Sentenced To Two Years In Prison

MATARAM - The panel of Judges at the Mataram Corruption Court, West Nusa Tenggara, sentenced the former head of Banjar Sari Village, East Lombok Regency, Zuhri, who was found guilty of corruption in the 2020 COVID-19 aid fund.

"Therefore, the defendant Zuhri has been sentenced to two years in prison", said Chief Justice of the Mataram Corruption Court, Isrin Surya Kurniasih, in Mataram, Thursday, October 21.

In addition to imprisonment, Zuhri was sentenced to a fine of IDR 100 million, a subsidiary of three months in prison.

The panel of judges also charged the defendant to compensate the state for losses of IDR 216.25 million. If it is not paid, it will be replaced with imprisonment for one year.

In its ruling, the panel of judges stated that the defendant Zuhri was found guilty of violating Article 3 Junto Article 18 of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 20/2001 concerning Amendments to Indonesian Law Number 31/1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes.

The panel of judges in their decision stated that the defendant Zuhri used the money from his corruption to open a personal business.

The modus operandi is by taking advantage of his position as village head, Zuhri borrows village cash of IDR 191.25 million and BUMDes funds worth IDR 25 million.

Because it was under his authority, Zuhri borrowed the money by forcing the treasurer to issue village treasury funds that were not by its designation.

As a result, several village programs related to handling the COVID-19 pandemic have been neglected.

"It has an impact on a group of vulnerable people who are unable to receive Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) Village Fund (DD) and improvements to the RTLH (Uninhabitable House. The defendant enjoys the state's loss in its entirety and does not return it", he said.

Regarding the decision, the defendant has stated that he accepts it. Meanwhile, the public prosecutor stated that he was still thinking about it.

Previously, Zuhri was sentenced to five years in prison with a fine of IDR 200 million, a subsidiary of three months in prison, and replacement money of IDR 212.15 million.

The public prosecutor charged Zuhri higher with criminal evidence on the primary indictment, Article 2 Jo. Article 18 of the Corruption Act.