Golkar councilor to be questioned

Golkar councilor to be questioned

JAKARTA (JP): City police will question a Tangerang councilor
of the dominant Golkar for allegedly assaulting his boss, head of
the party's local branch, City Police spokesman said.

Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday the investigation of
Rusman Umar would require "special treatment" due to his position
as a councilor.

"Investigation of a person in a particular position, such as a
councilor, requires special treatment. In this case, we need an
official permit from the government to summon the councilor,"
Aritonang told reporters.

According to Aritonang, the police officially sent a letter
requesting the Minister of Home Affairs' approval for police
questioning of Rusman.

In his report to the police Monday, Heroe Soetrisno, who is
also Tangerang Council Speaker, accused Rusman of hitting him in
the face at the party's local office.

Heroe said he had to go to hospital to have a doctor examine
his wounds.

The two were involved in a heated argument before Rusman hit
Heroe in the face, said Aritonang.

The argument was about Heroe's letter addressed to President
Soeharto in which he complained that some people had tried to
stop him being elected as the upcoming council spokesman.

In the letter, Heroe accused Tangerang Major Zakaria Machmud
and his accomplices, including Rusman, of allegedly trying to
topple him.

Rusman, who said he knew nothing about the move, rejected
Heroe's accusation.

The police are still collecting information from Heroe and
several witnesses which could help clarify the case. (cst)