Police proceed with Father Sandyawan case

JAKARTA (JP): Police have decided to proceed with a case involving Catholic priest Ignatius Sandyawan Sumardi who was questioned last year for sheltering three youth activists wanted by police.

Sandyawan's lawyer, Luhut M.P. Pangaribuan, said yesterday the police finished interrogation of the priest in September.

He said police delivered a summons last week for Sandyawan to attend the submission of his dossier to the Bekasi Prosecutor's Office on Monday.

The case relates to three leaders of the unrecognized Democratic People's Party (PRD) -- Budiman Sudjatmiko, Petrus H. Haryanto, and Yakobus Eko Kurniawan -- who were found guilty of subversion in April.

Sandyawan allegedly harbored the PRD leaders at the Bekasi home of his brother, Benny Sumardi.

Police arrested the three PRD leaders at the house on Aug. 11 last year.

Luhut said harboring criminals or people wanted by the police carried a maximum penalty of nine months jail.

He said Sandyawan faced a dilemma because as a priest he was obligated to shelter frightened people.

But article 322 of the Criminal Code states that a person who uncovers other people's secrets, because of his profession or position, may be sentenced to nine months jail.

"Uncovering people's secrets is a crime but, on the other hand, it is also a crime to harbor people wanted by the police," Luhut said.

He said Sandyawan should have immunity from these charges because he was a priest.

"Besides, those people were seeking his help," he said.

Luhut said there was a possibility the case would not proceed after Monday.

"Usually, however, if a case comes to the prosecutor's office, it goes to court," he said.

Sandyawan, who accompanied Luhut yesterday, said he was ready to accept any consequences because "I am confident with what I have done.

"It was my moral decision to shelter frightened people. I am ready to face all the consequences because of my decision," he said.

All the PRD's leaders were sentenced in April to between 18 months and 13 years jail.

The Central Jakarta District Court convicted five and the South Jakarta District Court convicted six. Nine appealed to the Jakarta High Court but their appeals were rejected. (05)