House delays questioning of Suwondo's wife

House delays questioning of Suwondo's wife

JAKARTA (JP): The special committee from the House of
Representatives investigating the Bulog financial scandal
canceled on Wednesday the planned questioning of Teti Nursetiati,
the wife of the main suspect in the scandal, Suwondo.

"I have the right to be accompanied by my lawyers and to have
legal protection," she said in response to the special
committee's demand that she be questioned without her lawyers
present.

Denny A. Zani Latief, one of Teti's lawyers, said his client
had the right to legal protection, as guaranteed by the
Constitution.

"We will accompany our client in order to uphold her legal
rights as an Indonesian citizen," he said.

Teti's husband, Suwondo, has allegedly received a total of Rp
35 billion from the Yanatera foundation of the State Logistics
Agency (Bulog). Of this amount, Rp 10 billion reportedly was
deposited in the bank by Teti.

President Abdurrahman Wahid has been rumored to be involved in
the scandal, as Suwondo is the former masseur of the President.

Many people suspect Bulog released the money to Suwondo with
the President's approval.

The committee grilled three Bulog officials on Monday about
the unlawful disbursement of the Rp 35 billion, allegedly
approved by then deputy chairman Sapuan, who is currently on
trial for his alleged role in the affair.

Teti told reporters at the House on Wednesday she knew nothing
about the scandal.

"Frankly speaking, my role was that I deposited the Rp 10
billion my husband gave me, but I didn't know where the money
came from," she said.

Teti said she deposited the money at City Bank, and she
returned the Rp 10 billion when the scandal became public earlier
this year.

Enggartiasto Lukita, a member of the House's special
committee, confirmed Teti's appearance had to be postponed
because of the dispute over whether her lawyers would accompany
her.

"The committee failed to persuade her to speak up without
lawyers," Enggartiasto said.

"The committee eventually decided to adjourn the hearing until
Teti is ready to testify," he said, adding that the committee
would waste little time in again asking her to speak to them.
"The committee may have to force her to testify if she refuses."

Meilono Suwondo, another committee member, said there was
speculation Teti's refusal to testify was related to the fate of
her husband, who is currently in police custody.

"We assume Teti is trying to hide something. She's likely
trying to protect her husband and some other important people,"
he said. (rms)