Officer tried for bombing

JAKARTA: The trial of a former member of the National Police's bomb squad charged with bombing National Police Headquarters began in the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday, a day after the deadly blast at the JW Marriott Hotel.

Defendant Anang Sumpena, 34, is facing the death penalty for allegedly possessing, storing, transporting and using explosive materials.

Anang, who deserted the police in 2000, planted the bombs to attract the attention of his former supervisors, according to the indictment.

"The defendant felt disappointed and ignored by the leadership of the National Police," Prosecutor Ramos Hutapea told the court.

Anang planted the bomb, consisting of potassium and black powder, at the Bhayangkari building in South Jakarta on Feb. 3.

He set a timer for 7 a.m. but the bomb blew up 20 minutes late. No one was injured but the blast caused damage to the building and a car.

The blast was the first to hit the city this year, and was followed by a string of bombings in other parts of Jakarta, most of which are still unresolved.

The hearing will resume next Wednesday. -- JP