Bogus soldier caught in Tangerang

TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang Military District officers arrested a 23-year-old man on Friday for deceiving at least six people by introducing himself as a member of the Army's special force (Kopassus).

Chief Sgt. Winarno, an intelligence official from the military district office, said on Friday that the man, who he had been monitoring for weeks, was identified as Wira Wibowo, alias Heldi W.R.

He said the six victims had suffered a number of material losses, including land and house certificates, a television set, a motorcycle, vehicle documents, a water pump and gold jewelry.

Most of the victims said they did not object when the bogus Kopassus officer intended to borrow something, such as cars, from them, he said.

The victims were identified as Soeharto, Suharli, Safei, Tarmidi, Thamrin and a former village head, Winarno said.

"We arrested Heldi after receiving a report from Mrs. Soeharto," Winarno said.

He said Heldi always told his victims and his girlfriend Indra and her relatives that he was a Kopassus first assistant lieutenant and a company chief at the special force.

Winarno said he had suspected Heldi of being a bogus soldier for long time.

"But I just let him go free because his performance was so convincing," the intelligence official said.

The suspect always wore the force's uniform when visiting Indra, he added. (41/jun)