Officer cleared of theft accusation

JAKARTA (JP): A police officer accused of stealing US$10,000 from the head of the National Police Directorate of Traffic, Brig. Gen. Ansyar Roem, early this year has been cleared of the charge and released from detention.

City police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said on Monday that his office would fully restore First Sgt. Adi's reputation within the force.

Adi, who was Ansyar's personal driver, was handed over to the police internal affairs unit following the disappearance of the money, which was to be exchanged into rupiah as part of the "I Love Rupiah" drive on Jan. 28.

It is unclear whether the money was Ansyar's or from the department.

"After being cross-examined several times in line with standard investigative procedures for Armed Forces personnel, Adi was proven to be not guilty. Therefore, he has been freed from the accusation made by Ansyar Roem," Noegroho said.

"During the interrogation, Adi insisted that he did not steal the money. He said Ansyar had jumped to an (incorrect) conclusion," an officer, who asked for anonymity, said.

Adi's family had reportedly visited Noegroho before the release, asking him to clarify Adi's status since it was not clear whether the case had been closed or would be continued.

"The point is that we haven't found any proof that Adi was the one who stole the money," Noegroho said. (edt)