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)