Driver arrested for carrying potassium

A man in possession of 450 kilograms of potassium chlorate was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of bomb-making activities, Bogor Police said.

Detectives chief Adj. Comr. Ferdi Sambo said that a van driver, identified as Maulana, was arrested on Jl. Raya Caringin at about 6 p.m.

Traffic patrol officers became suspicious when two passengers jumped out of the van when they approached. Searching the van, they found the potassium chlorate.

The passengers were still on the run.

Ferdi said Maulana had told police the potassium was bought in Tangerang by a man identified as "Komar" and another unidentified suspect.

"I still have no idea if the suspects have any links to (Australian Embassy suicide bomber) Heri Gulun," Ferdi said.

Police say Heri was the driver of the van used in the embassy bombing on Jl. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, on Sept. 9. -- JP