Jakarta – The Supreme Court has handed down a heavier sentence to former Democratic Party politician Angelina Sondakh, from the previously sentenced four-and-a-half years in prison to 12 years.

The court's panel, led by Justice Artidjo Alkostar, also ordered the former beauty queen to reimburse Rp 12 billion and US$2.35 million (Rp 27.5 billion) to the state.

According to the panel, Angelina deserved a heavier punishment because it was proven that she had proactively asked for bribes from Mindo Rosalina Manulang, who has completed her prison term in the same case.

"Angelina was very proactive in asking for bribes. Her role is very significant," Artidjo said, as quoted bykompas.com on Thursday.

Angelina's lawyer, Teuku Nasrullah, refused to comment, only saying that he would seek verification first with the Supreme Court in regards to the ruling. He added that he would consult with his client before making any public statements.

Commenting on the ruling, Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy chief Busyro Muqoddas said the court's ruling better represented the public's expectation for justice.

Angelina was previously sentenced to four-and-a half years in prison and fined Rp 500 million when the graft court found her guilty of receiving kickbacks from private companies in return for project opportunities in the National Education Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry.(dic)