MPR Special Session delays 'ninja' trials

JAKARTA (JP): Police in East Java said the trials of suspected "ninja" killers and those who have sought retribution, planned for this week, would be postponed until after the conclusion of the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Nov. 13.

Besuki Police chief Col. Budi Utomo -- who oversees the East Java town of Banyuwangi where a series of murders of Moslem preachers and alleged witchcraft practitioners began about three months ago -- was quoted by Antara as saying in Jember on Tuesday that possible security disturbances was the reason for the postponement.

However, "the authorities will not prepare special security measures for the trials which it can be expected will attract many people," Budi said, adding that the trial would be treated just like any other criminal trial.

Speaking to reporters in the presence of Jember police chief Lt. Col. A. Madjid Tawil, Budi said the first trial would involve six suspects. His officers have submitted a total of 52 dossiers on suspected killers to the prosecutor's office.

He said the police had completed investigations at 64 crime scenes where murders took place in the Banyuwangi regency. There were a total of 87 crime scenes, he added, and said Banyuwangi police had detained more than 230 people.

Budi said Banyuwangi -- which after the attacks began turned into a ghost town gripped by fear, leaving the economy paralyzed -- had returned to normal. He said people had resumed religious activities such as attending services at mosques.

"Beforehand, the police even had to safeguard gatherings to read the Koran. Now people can hold recitals by themselves. There are nine places which so far have become free from terror, but we're still safeguarding them (as a precaution)," he said.

Almost 200 people have been killed in an outburst of violence over the past three months in East Java towns. The killings -- initially perpetrated by "ninjas" who wore dark clothing and masks in the fashion of Japanese assassins -- originated in Banyuwangi but later spread to other towns, including in Central and West Java.

Residents, gripped by fear, struck back and started to attack anyone they suspected of being a "ninja". In many cases, the vigilante murders were equally or even more brutal than those committed by the masked marauding groups.

The Armed Forces and police have dismissed criticism that they were too sluggish in responding to the murders. Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto said that conflicts in the political elite were behind the murder spree.

Antara quoted East Java Governor Imam Utomo as saying on Monday that a total of 1,663 people have been arrested in connection with the killing spree.

The news agency also reported that terror toward Moslem preachers was continuing in various areas, including the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu. The security forces in Aceh and South Sumatra have promised to protect local residents, including preachers. (swe)