Bhayangkari bomb caused Rp 78m in damages

JAKARTA: Police have spent Rp 78 million (US$9,176.50) to repair damages caused by the bombing at the National Police's Wisma Bhayangkari hall on Feb. 3.

The head of the Wisma Bhayangkari building management, Wagimin, told the panel of judges at the South Jakarta District Court on Thursday that the money was mostly spent on renovating the damaged ceiling, windows and floor.

Wagimin was testifying at the trial of Adj. Comr. Anang Sumpena, the sole defendant in the bombing case. The bomb claimed no fatalities.

He heard the explosion but was not at the scene at the time.

A fingerprint belonging to the defendant was found on cellophane used in the construction of the bomb.

Anang is a former member of the police bomb squad. He was dismissed from the force last year for issues relating to drug abuse.

If found guilty of storing, transporting and using explosives, Wagimin could be sentenced to death.

The bomb, which exploded in front the function hall inside the headquarters' compound, consisted of potassium, aluminum powder and shrapnel.

The Feb. 3 blast was the first to hit the city this year, and was followed by a string of bombings in other parts of Jakarta. -- JP