Fourth person charged over Tansil's escape

JAKARTA (JP): A fourth staff of the Cipinang penitentiary was arraigned in the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday in connection with the escape of businessman Eddy Tansil.

The prosecution alleged that SM, a prison clerk, accepted Rp 1.1 million (US$480) in bribes for his role in helping the convicted prisoner escape.

SM, 47, was charged under Article 419 of the Criminal Code.

The article states that any government employee who accepts a gift, knowing that it is intended to influence the recipient into doing something contrary to his job, shall be liable for a maximum of five years imprisonment.

Three other employees were arraigned in court on Wednesday and a fifth suspect, DD, the head of the guards at the time of the escape, is to appear in court on next Wednesday.

Prosecutor Sumirah told the court that SM had colluded with other penitentiary employees to arrange the escape on May 4.

According to the prosecution, SM escorted Tansil, first in a car driven by DD's son. On the way, they decided to disembark. SM and Tansil then took a taxi, heading for the Bukit Duri area where Tansil's wife was waiting in another car.

SM was later dropped off on Jl. Gajah Mada in West Jakarta, while Tansil and his wife disappeared, Sumirah said.

Tansil's escape only came to light two days later. A massive manhunt launched since then has failed to locate his whereabouts, with many suggesting that he has fled the country. The government has already requested the assistance of Interpol.

Tansil was in the second year of a 20-year jail term meted out for defrauding Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) of $620 million.

Presiding Judge Kamar Sembiring adjourned the trial to Wednesday. SM, who was accompanied by lawyer Arif Susijamto yesterday, is scheduled to read his defense at next week's hearing. (26)