Case Of Bribery Of PEN Funds, Former Regent Of Muna Sutra Sentenced To 3 Years In Prison

The trial of the panel of judges for the bribery case for the management of PEN funds in Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Thursday (35/04/2024). (ANTARA/Agatha Olivia Victoria)

JAKARTA - Former Muna Regent, La Ode Muhammad Rusman Emba was sentenced to 3 years in prison and a fine of Rp. 200 million related to the bribery case for the management of the National Economic Recovery (PEN) fund of Muna Regency in 2021-2022.

"The defendant was sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of Rp. 200 million," said Chief Judge Eko in a trial reading the verdict of the panel of judges at the Jakarta Corruption Court (Tipikor), Thursday, April 25, which was confiscated by Antara.

Eko said Rusman was legally and convincingly proven guilty of committing a criminal act of corruption that was carried out jointly as the act continued as in the first alternative indictment.

Thus, said the judge, Rusman violated Article 5 paragraph (1) letter a of Law (UU) Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st of the Criminal Code jo. Article 64 of the Criminal Code.

He continued, if the fine is not paid, it must be replaced with a substitute imprisonment for three months.

In addition, the Panel of Judges also stipulated that Rusman's detention period was completely reduced from the sentence imposed and determined that the defendant remained in detention.

"The panel of judges charged the defendant with a court fee of Rp. 5,000," he said.

Eko explained that there were several things that incriminate Rusman's verdict, namely that the defendant did not support the government's program in realizing a government that was free from corruption, collusion, and nepotism and did not regret and did not feel guilty for his actions.

Meanwhile, he continued, several things that eased the verdict, namely that the defendant had family responsibilities, was polite and appreciated the trial, had never been convicted before, contributed to the Muna Regency development project, and contributed as a regent, a member of the Muna Regency Regional Representative Council (DPD), and a member of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) of Southeast Sulawesi Province.

Previously, Rusman was sentenced to three years and five months in prison for being charged with paying the Muna Regency PEN funds for 2021-2022 amounting to Rp2.4 billion to Muhammad Ardian Novianto as Director General of Regional Finance Development of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The bribe for the management of PEN funds was given with funds sourced from the owner of PT Mitra Pembangunan Sultra (MPS) La Ode Gomberto.