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)