Police to question 'D&R' managing editor

JAKARTA (JP): National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said yesterday that other executives of Detektif dan Romantika (D&R) magazine would be questioned as witnesses in connection with the publication of the weekly's controversial, latest edition.

"We have not questioned any other employees of D&R except the magazine's chief editor, Margiono. Statements from other executives are required to ensure a thorough investigation of the case. We'll soon summon them as witnesses," he said.

The government considers the cover and editorial of D&R's March 7 issue to be defamatory of President Soeharto both in his capacity as president and an individual. The cover portrays Soeharto as the king of spades.

A high-ranking police officer at National Police Headquarters said yesterday that the managing editor of the magazine, Bambang Bujono, was scheduled to be questioned by police today.

Bujono was summoned as a witness in the case, he said.

"But his status could later change to a suspect if our investigation finds that he was involved in the alleged defamation," the officer, who asked for anonymity, said.

Bujono is scheduled to be questioned at 9 a.m. today by a team of detectives led by Lt. Col. Lubis, deputy to the chief of Directorate of Police Detectives for General Affairs.

"It was the same team who interrogated Margiono (D&R's chief editor)," he said.

The police interrogated Margiono for two consecutive days as of yesterday. The officer, however, refused to disclose the result of the two-day investigation of Margiono.

Commander of the National Police Detectives Corps Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi said Margiono was the only suspect in the defamation case so far.

"All who are proven to be involved in the case will be charged under Articles 134, 136 and 137 of the Criminal Code on defaming the head of state," he said Monday.

The articles carry a maximum sentence of six years in jail or a Rp 300 fine.

Nurfaizi said his office had not decided to detain Margiono as it was not necessary for all suspects to be placed on remand. (cst)