15 questioned over electricity theft

JAKARTA (JP): City police are questioning 15 people in connection with the alleged stealing of electricity at 14 major hotels and apartments, a police source said on Thursday.

The source at the Jakarta Police Special Crimes Unit -- who asked for anonymity -- said the 15 people under questioning included those at the managerial level.

The hotels and apartment buildings were located in Slipi in West Jakarta, Kemayoran in Central Jakarta, and Kuningan in South Jakarta.

"This crime has caused the state billions of rupiah, so the case has become a top priority for us," the officer explained.

He also said the joint investigation between the police and the city officials on the alleged stealing started about two weeks ago.

When contacted, the manager of a hotel in Slipi whose name was mentioned in the police list, said the allegations were untrue.

"There is nothing criminal going on at our hotel," she said. (ylt)