No clues in Semarang bombing, say police

No clues in Semarang bombing, say police

SEMARANG (JP): Police have yet to find any clues in the recent
bombing at Christ Alfa Omega Tabernakel Bethel Church in
Semarang, which injured two women on Tuesday.

Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. M.A. Erwin MAP said on
Wednesday that the bombing was still a mystery. "However, people
must remain calm, and trust the police," he told Antara.

Some witnesses, including the pastor, the church parking lot
attendant and security guards, have been questioned, but the
police said they were still in the dark.

Susana Hilda Riyanti, 50, the wife of the pastor, Timotius
Subekti, suffered serious injuries to her legs, while her
30-year-old daughter, Ferra, was only slightly injured when the
bomb exploded in their Toyota Kijang van in the church parking
lot.

Doctors at Tlogorejo Hospital in Semarang have amputated her
right leg due to the severity of her wounds.

One member of the medical team, Dr. Suhardiyono, said she was
recovering. "She is out of the critical stage. She will be fine
and will be taken to Singapore for final treatment."

According to a preliminary investigation, the bomb was a
homemade low explosive, officer Erwin said.

"All evidence collected from the bomb site, including the
fragments of batteries, are still being examined at the
laboratory. Therefore, I cannot yet confirm anything about it."

In a related development, Central Java (Diponegoro) Military
Command chief Maj. Gen. Sumarsono said that the bombing had
disturbed the tranquility of Central Java.

"Acts of terror at houses of worship usually works. Therefore
I call on all people to remain calm and to be alert," he said.

Erwin Sumarsono, Central Java Governor Mardiyanto and
provincial legislators from the National Mandate Party (PAN) and
National Awakening Party (PKB) -- both Islamic-based parties --
visited Susana in the hospital.

They all condemned the bombing.

Chief of Commission E at the provincial legislative council
Abdul Kadir Karding said from the hospital on Wednesday that the
bombing was carried out by a certain organization. "Their target
is to spread hatred among religious followers," he said.

"The commission will soon summon the provincial police chief
and Semarang Police chief to discuss ways on handling and
preventing similar acts in the future." (sur)