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)