Matori to testify at Tarmo's trial

JAKARTA (JP): National Awakening Party chairman Matori Abdul Djalil is expected to appear at the South Jakarta District Court next Wednesday as a witness in the hearing of a man charged with complicity in the attempted murder of Matori on March 5.

Prosecutor Abdul Kamar Badrun announced on Wednesday that the court would present at least 20 witnesses, including Matori as the victim, to testify in connection with the case.

According to the charges, defendant Achmad Tazul Arifin, alias Sabar, 33, and accomplice Sarmo, alias Tarmo, attempted to murder Matori.

Tarmo was lynched by residents and ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers in the Jagakarsa area for not paying for a ride shortly after attacking Matori at his house in Pasar Minggu.

Police have named two other men, identified as Zulfikar and Assadullah, as the prime suspects in the case who are still at large.

During the hearing on Wednesday presided over by Judge Munawir, prosecutor Badrun said the defendant had violated either Article 340 of the Criminal Code on premeditated murder, which carries the death sentence or life imprisonment; Article 355 on premeditated attempt to cause serious bodily harm, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years imprisonment; or Article 1 of Emergency Law No. 12/1951 on the possession of a weapon without a permit, which carries the death sentence or life imprisonment.

Matori was injured in the head and hand. (ylt)