Apriadi Gunawan, Medan – The Medan Corruption Court in North Sumatra on Wednesday sentenced inactive Labuhanbatu regent Erik Adtrada Ritonga to six years in prison for accepting Rp 1.7 billion (US$112,506) in bribes in relation to procurement tenders in the regency.
Of the bribes, Rp 1.33 billion had been confiscated from the defendant by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
Presiding judge As'ad Rahim ordered Erik to repay the remaining Rp 368.2 million, and if he is unable to do so, the state will confiscate his assets. If the assets are insufficient to cover the shortfall, Erik will serve an additional two years' imprisonment.
In addition to imprisonment, the judge ordered Erik pay a fine of Rp 300 million, and six months of prison will be added to the sentence if he fails to do so.
The sentence concurred with prosecutors' demands.
The court gave Erik seven days to decide whether to appeal the verdict. Erik told the court he would consult with his legal counsel.
Erik was caught in a sting operation in Labuhanbatu on Jan. 11.
The court heard that Erik had demanded up to 15 percent kickbacks from contractors to secure procurement tenders from the regency administration. (dre/ars)