'D&R' managing editor named suspect: Police

JAKARTA (JP): The managing editor of Detektif dan Romantika (D&R) magazine, Bambang Bujono, was officially named a suspect by police yesterday after being interrogated for at least five hours for his alleged involvement in the weekly's controversial March 7 cover and editorial.

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said neither Bambang nor the other suspect, D&R's chief editor Margiono, was detained.

"We have not even asked the Immigration Office to ban them from leaving the country," he said.

He said his office would detain or ban suspects from leaving the country only if they were uncooperative or if there was a possibility that they would escape or destroy evidence.

Da'i said both Margiono and Bambang had been charged under Article 137 of the Criminal Code on defaming the head of state.

The article carries a maximum one year and four months in jail or a Rp 300 fine.

Margiono and Bambang were interrogated following government criticism over the cover of D&R's March 7 issue which portrays President Soeharto as the king of spades.

The government says it is insulting to Soeharto both in his capacity as president and as an individual.

The police have seized some evidence, including 54 copies of the March 7 edition left in the magazine's newsroom.

Da'i said his office would summon more executives and staff of the magazine for questioning in a bid to collect more information and evidence.

"Everybody who might know or be involved in the making of the magazine may be required to give statements as witnesses in the case," he said. (cst)