Suherdjoko, Semarang – Corruption is widespread and commonly committed by high-ranking officials in 33 out of 35 regencies and municipalities across Central Java, says an anti-corruption official in Semarang.

"Central Java consists of 35 regencies and cities, but it doesn't mean the other two regencies are free of corruption allegations. The regional heads could stand as witnesses, suspects or even be incarcerated," Central Java Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) secretary, Eko Haryanto, told The Jakarta Post in Semarang on Wednesday.

He noted a number of regents have been sentenced by district courts, up to the Supreme Court, for corruption. They include former Tegal regent M. Zakir, who received a two-year sentence and former Temanggung regent Totok Ary Prabowo, sentenced to four years for embezzling Rp 520 million (US$57,700) from election funds.

Kendal regent Hendy Boedoro was sentenced by the Supreme Court for seven years for misappropriating Rp 16.7 billion of public funds for the 2003-2004 period, while Semarang regent Bambang Guritno was given two years for pilfering Rp 5.8 billion of school textbook funds.

Eko added a number of former regents were currently standing trial at district courts, among them former Demak regent Endang Setyaningdyah, for distributing council funds to help her nomination bid as regent and former Surakarta mayor Slamet Suryanto, who was sentenced by the district court, but later appealed to a higher court. Former Wonosobo regent Trimawan Nugroho was incarcerated for his involvement in the markup of fire engine procurement, as well as incumbent Karanganyar vice regent Sri Sadoyo.

A number of regional heads have died whilst under investigation, such as Salatiga mayor Totok Mintarto, Klaten regent Haryanto Wibowo and Blora regent Basuki.

Eko disclosed that regional heads have allegedly committed offenses in the procurement of goods and services, involving budget markups, by collaborating with council members and business connections.

"Semarang regent Bambang Guritno, for example received fees from publishers, amounting to Rp 600 million, for the procurement of school textbooks. This payment is considered corrupt and illegal," Eko said.

Central Java Prosecutor's Office head Kadir Sitanggang acknowledged his office was hampered by lack of personnel to handle corruption cases.

"I hope this can soon be overcome, especially by the presence of prosecutors who are taking part in the selection to become members of the anti-corruption task force. However, they will only be shortlisted in December. As many as 46 prosecutors are taking part in the selection and not all will be accepted. Ideally, a region should have at least three prosecutors to handle corruption cases," Kadir said.

He emphasized that the selection process must be carried out very carefully. "They are not only judged by their experience and ability, but also on their morality and behavior," he said.

Kadir was aware the prosecutor's office was currently in the public spotlight, especially when dealing with graft cases, and appealed for patience.

"The prosecutor's office must follow the steps which have been set, for example, getting presidential approval if a case involves a regional head," he said.

The provincial prosecutor's office is waiting for Presidential approval to examine Batang regent Bambang Bintoro for allegedly misappropriating Rp 800 million and Purworejo regent Kelik Sumrahadi for misusing Rp 2.7 billion in budget funds.

The office is also waiting for approval to examine Semarang mayor Sukawi Sutarip for alleged involvement in distributing communications funds from the 2004 city budget to legislative members, incurring a loss of Rp 5.5 billion to the state.