Officer tried for bombing

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