Bandarlampung – While an investigation and examination is underway on the arson attack on the Mesuji regency administrative office in Lampung, reports are circulating that the office was intentionally burned to eliminate traces of embezzlement from the regency's 2009-2011 budget.

The fire on May 3 was believed to have been related to the dismissal of recently inaugurated Vice Regent Ismail Ishak over a graft case.

However, Institute on Corruption Studies (ICS) coordinator Merwanda Yuli Yusandi said that based on investigation carried out by the institute, a majority of those involved in the arson attack were not relatives or supporters of Ismail Ishak.

"We have handed over the new facts to the police to expedite investigation. The arsonists intentionally took advantage of the conflict in Mesuji. Their goal was to burn important documents connected with the misuse of Mesuji regency budget funds between 2009 and 2011," Merwanda said on Tuesday.