Jakarta – The Corruption Court will continue its trial of Golkar Party politicians Hamka Yandhu and Antony Zeidra Abidin, charged with accepting money from Bank Indonesia (BI) in an embezzlement case.

On Tuesday, the court dismissed the pleas of Antony, a former member of the House Commission IX. However, Hamka agreed to continue the trial.

Both of them are charged with accepting bribes from BI officials to speed up the approval of the revised BI law and resolve the alleged embezzlement of bank funds in 2003.

During an investigation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Hamka said the 52-strong Commission IX shared Rp 30.5 billion (US$3.34 million) from BI.

According to Hamka's statement, commission deputy chief Paskah Suzetta, the current State Minister for National Development Planning, received Rp 1 billion and other members, including Malam Sambat Kaban, the current Forestry Minister, received at least Rp 250 million each.

Under the Corruption Law, Hamka and Antony are facing a maximum of 20 years in jail if convicted.

The court adjourned the trial and scheduled to present former BI governor Burhanuddin Abdullah and former deputies Aulia Tantowi Pohan, Bun Bunan EJ Hutapea and Maman Sumantri, during the hearing next week. (dre)