Jambi – Local police are investigating the disappearance of 69 poll booths that were being stored at Jelutung Sports Hall in Jambi city.

Police were contacted after Jambi General Elections Commission (KPUD) chairman Najamuddin went to check on stored election materials that will be used in next year's mayoral election. It is unclear when the booths, imported from Japan, were stolen.

Najamuddin said the KPUD had 5,739 poll booths in 2004, but only 5,667 now remained. "The theft has caused a loss of Rp 500 million to the state," he said.

Jelutung Police chief Adj. Comr. Nainggolan said officers were questioning four security guards at the sports hall as witnesses in the case.