Former Religious Minister Suryadharma Sentenced to 6 Years for Hajj Graft Cases

The Jakarta Globe, 12 Jan 2016


Jakarta. Former religious affairs minister Suryadharma Ali was sentenced to six years imprisonment and ordered to pay Rp 300 million ($21,000) in fines on Monday for his involvement in several hajj graft cases during his time at the ministry.

The Jakarta Anti Corruption Court found Suryadharma guilty of embezzling the country's hajj funds by awarding hajj quotas and free pilgrimages to friends and family members.

The former United Development Party chairman was also found guilty of misusing funds earmarked for day-to-day work expenses — known as the ministerial operation funds —for personal use between 2010 and 2013.

The cases have cost the state over Rp 27.2 billion ($1.95 million) in losses.

The sentence was lighter than the 11-year imprisonment, Rp 2.75 billion in fines and a five-year revocation of his right to hold another government post sought by the prosecution.

Both sides can lodge an appeal of the ruling.



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