Bulog scam suspect's arrest extended

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)