Bomb explosion aimed at 'tarnishing TNI'

Bomb explosion aimed at 'tarnishing TNI'

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military commander Maj. Gen. Ryamizard
Ryacudu said on Tuesday that last week's explosion in the
Attorney General's Office compound was aimed at tarnishing the
image of the Indonesian Military (TNI).

"The first bomb, which exploded, was a homemade device. The
second, which bore the military's name, did not explode.
Therefore, people might think that the bombs were from the
military," he announced after leading a function in Bekasi, which
saw Maj. Hafil Fuddin installed as the new chief of the Seventh
Battlefield Artillery Battalion, replacing Lt. Col. Alva AG
Narande.

"Why did the second bomb not explode? There were factors
behind how it was planted. So we should wait for the authorities'
investigation of the case," he said.

Head of the National Police's General Information Division Sr.
Supt. Saleh Saaf said the police would focus on its investigation
and any interference with the investigation.

"The police have nearly completed its investigation, which is
based on facts, evidence and clues found during the probe," he
said at his office on Tuesday.

Ryamizard said he regretted statements in the media which
concluded that the military were behind the blast.

"Such statements have generated public opinion that military
personnel were behind the blast. Any party could be tipped as the
suspects in the blast -- pedicab drivers, police personnel, the
Jakarta Military Command or Army personnel.

"However, no evidence has been found to confirm the
involvement of military personnel," he said.

National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo said on Thursday that
state-owned weapons manufacturer PT Pindad was the producer of
the second bomb which was marked with the distinctive Military-
One (M-1) code.

Pindad is under the auspices of the Army, and all its
manufactured goods are produced and distributed only for military
purposes.

The second bomb was found by the police last Wednesday on the
ceiling of the second floor bathroom of a building in the
office's compound, right above the bathroom where the first bomb
exploded a day earlier.

Ryamizard accused "provocateurs" of being behind the incident.

"We know that certain parties often create disturbances in the
city. If they weren't here, the city would be safe. I can't name
any of the suspects at the moment as it may create problems," he
said without elaborating.

The military commander supported on Monday a statement from
Army chief Gen. Tyasno Sudarto in Semarang, Central Java. He said
it would set up a team to assist the police's ongoing
investigation.

Saleh Saaf said the police would welcome any assistance.

"The police welcome any teams, including from the military or
private parties, to assist their investigation of the case.

"However, the authority to summon witnesses and suspects, to
investigate and finally take the case to court rests with the
police," he said.

Meanwhile, head of the police team investigating the case Sr.
Supt. Edward Aritonang said the South Jakarta Police were making
sketches of the two suspects behind the blast.

"The sketches have yet to be completed as we have to verify
them first with the witnesses," he told The Jakarta Post by
phone.

Based on information from witnesses, the police are searching
for suspects who were seen carrying backpacks in the Attorney
General's Office compound before the explosion.

The police have so far questioned nine witnesses who were in
the vicinity of the office when the blast occurred. (asa)