Court asked to proceed with Ari Sigit's trial
Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Central Jakarta District Court will decide next Wednesday whether or not to proceed with the trial of former president Soeharto's grandson Ari Haryo Wibowo alias Ari Sigit, who has been charged with illegal possession of 70 bullets.
The court, presided over by Herry Swantoro, made the statement on Tuesday after listening to the response of prosecutors Surung Aritonang, Jhoni Ginting and Yosef Eddy to Ari's objection to the indictment.
According to the prosecutors, the indictment was in accordance with criminal code procedures and the content was clear.
The indictment clearly described the crime, who did it and when and how it happened, according to the prosecutors.
Therefore, they asked the judge to set aside the lawyers' objection and continue the trial.
Ari, 31, is charged under Emergency Law No. 12/1951 and if found guilty, could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or be sentenced to death.
According to the prosecutors, the 70 bullets were found during a search of Ari's house at Jl. Yusuf Adiwinata 6, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Aug. 13, 2001, when the police were looking for Ari's uncle Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra.
The defendant's lawyer, Juan Felix Tampubolon, asked the court to halt the trial last week saying that the indictment was obscure, while the defendant said he did not understand the indictment.
Ari immediately rushed to his car after Tuesday's hearing, ignoring journalists' questions.
Ari was released from Salemba penitentiary last Thursday after the court granted his request for house arrest due to health reasons.
Prosecutor Ginting told reporters he doubted that Ari was really sick.
"Of course, we worry that the defendant might escape, but it has been decided by the judges," he said.
Jhoni said that the judges made the decision not only because of Ari's health, but also because of the guarantee given by his parents and lawyers.
Judge Swantoro, who signed the approval, refused to comment.