Semarang. Pemalang Regent Mukti Agung Wibowo was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison on Monday after he was found guilty of taking more than Rp 5 billion ($340,000) in bribes from his own subordinates and also businessmen who won projects in the Central Java regency.

The panel of judges at the Semarang District Court said Mukti took payment from local government officials who were promoted to higher echelons, accepted fees from businessmen, and collected cash from the budget in various departments from 2021-22.

"The defendant received a total of Rp 5.08 billion in bribes during two years in office," Presiding Judge Bambang Setyo Widjanarko told the court.

The ill-gotten money was used to repay personal debts and to purchase a parcel of land, a rice-milling machine, and Eid al-Fitr gifts, the court heard. Mukti also donated to the local chapter of the United Development Party (PPP) using the money.

"The defendant who holds the public office has failed to support the government’s good governance program," the judge said.

The court also ordered Mukti to return Rp 4.9 billion of funds he has used for personal expenses.

The defense said they will take a week time to consider an appeal. Prosecutors earlier recommended a prison sentence of 8.5 years for Mukti.

Mukti was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) last August.

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