Defendant's lover testifies

The girlfriend of Ridwan Surya Danu, accused of murdering a woman physician, testified at the North Jakarta court on Monday that she had often been physically abused by the defendant.

"I had heated arguments with Ridwan and he used to hit me," said Lilik, the 40-year old former girlfriend.

Lilik said that they had been dating since 1986 when the defendant was her boss at the now defunct Bank Majapahit.

Lilik testified that during their relationship the two often took trips abroad to such places as Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and most recently Australia.

Despite their long-standing relationship, Lilik denied knowing that the defendant was having a secret affair with Dr. Riyama, who was a client at the bank.(mds)