Bulog scam suspect's arrest extended

JAKARTA (JP): The prime suspect of the multi-billion rupiah State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal, Alip Agung Suwondo, will remain at the Cipinang penitentiary after prosecutors extended his arrest for another 30 days from Jan. 1, 2001.

A spokesman for the Attorney General's Office, Chuck Suryosumpeno, said the extension is necessary because the general prosecutors require more time to study the dossiers before filing the case with the South Jakarta District Court.

"The trial is likely to be held before the extension of the arrest due on Jan. 31," he told journalists.

Initially, Suwondo, alias An Peng Sui, was detained at the city police detention house but was later moved to the jail in order to allay fears that the suspect would attempt to intimidate other witnesses in the case or tamper with evidence.

The police investigation found Suwondo violated Article 378 of the Criminal Code on fraud, Article 372 on embezzlement and Article 480 on storing stolen goods.

Suwondo allegedly defrauded the Bulog employee foundation, Yanatera, of Rp 35 billion at the behest of President Abdurrahman Wahid. The money was used for personal interests of the suspect, also known as Abdurrahman's masseur, causing losses to Yanatera.

The scandal has added fuel to the uneasy relations between the President and the House of Representatives. Former National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo reportedly testified before the House special committee investigating the case that Abdurrahman was involved in the scandal.

The committee is expected to complete its investigation this month. (bby)