Interrogation on Bintang suspended
Interrogation on Bintang suspended
JAKARTA (JP): The police have adjourned indefinitely their questioning of outspoken legislator Sri Bintang Pamungkas over his alleged role in recent anti-Indonesian government demonstrations in Germany.
Police investigators are now reviewing the legal procedural requirements which they must meet in order to resume their interrogation of Bintang.
"Today is the last day of the police investigation of me," Bintang, beaming with joy, told reporters as he emerged from National Police headquarters yesterday.
"The police investigators agreed to grant my request that they account for their procedures," said the legislator from the United Development Party, who had been interrogated by police for three consecutive days.
The legislator has been named by the military as one of five Indonesians suspected of taking part in, or mobilizing, a series of protests against the Indonesian government in Germany during President Soeharto's recent visit there.
Two other Indonesian citizens suspected of taking part in the demonstrations are senior journalist Goenawan Mohamad and prominent human rights activist Yeni Rosa Damayanti.
All three have denied any part in the demonstrations. So far police have questioned only Bintang.
Bintang said that he had found out, by accident, that the police report used as the legal basis for summoning him had been prepared by a person who was not physically present at the demonstrations.
"Capt. Mugiarto, who prepared the police report, was not present when the demonstration occurred," he said.
"We doubt the validity of the police report," added Luhut Pangaribuan, one of Bintang's lawyers from the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute.
Bintang said he had also queried the police's authority to summon him because, as a member of the House of Representatives, he cannot be interrogated without written approval from the President.
He said that the letter authorizing his being summoned to the police headquarters was signed by Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono rather than by President Soeharto.
"According to Law No. 13/1970, concerning police investigations of legislators, only the President has the authority to sign such a letter," Luhut said.
Bintang said he had asked the police investigators why he had been barred from going abroad, even though he had yet to be formally charged.
Bintang said that as of yesterday, the national police headquarters would be providing him with protection, following attacks on his home and car in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
"Four police officers will provide me with 24-hour protection," he said.
Spokesman for the national police headquarters, Brig. Gen. I Ketut Ratta, promised that the police would investigate the attack.
Separately, Chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council Sudomo said yesterday that he supported the government's move to investigate the demonstrations.
"The demonstrations, defaming the President and the government, were against the law," he said after a meeting with Vice President Try Sutrisno. (imn)