Bogus reporter arrested at DPR

Bogus reporter arrested at DPR

JAKARTA (JP): A man posing as a journalist at the House of
Representatives was arrested by police and reporters posted at
the House after he demanded money from two retired Indonesian
Military (TNI) commanders.

The man, identified as Sai, asked for donations from Gen.
(ret.) Wiranto and Gen. (ret.) Feisal Tanjung while the two were
having lunch in the House complex after attending a hearing with
a House special commission investigating the May 12, 1998
Trisakti shooting incident.

Claiming to be a reporter from Suara Pembaruan afternoon
daily, Sai told the two generals that one of his parents had
recently passed away and he needed money.

Wiranto took out some bills from his wallet, but he put them
back after noticing a signal from nearby reporters that the man
was not a real reporter. Wiranto told Sai, "Let me have my lunch
first".

Sai then approached Feisal for a donation. But after he
received a kick under the table from Wiranto, Feisal also refused
to hand over any money.

Realizing that the retired generals were aware of his ploy,
the man hurried away, but dozens of reporters ran after him. The
police then joined the reporters in the chase.

The man was arrested in the men's toilet, and was interrogated
by the police at the House. He was later transferred to city
police headquarters for further questioning. (rms)