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)