Police to question Saefuddin

Police to question Saefuddin

JAKARTA (JP): Police are to question on Wednesday State
Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin in connection
with allegations of inciting public hatred, an official said on
Monday.

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar told
reporters that Saefuddin had said he would comply with the police
summons.

"Insya Allah (God Willing), Pak Saefuddin has agreed to come
on Wednesday," Togar said.

Police have reportedly fulfilled all legal requirements to
summon Saefuddin for questioning about his remarks over the
religion of Megawati Soekarnoputri, head of the Indonesian
Democratic Party (PDI) of Struggle. One of the requirements is
that permission by requested from President B.J. Habibie, as
Saefuddin is now a minister in his cabinet.

Togar did not give details on when police asked Habibie's
permission.

"We have enough evidence and have obtained enough information
from experts to make sure that we can summon him," Togar said.

The senior cabinet official was scheduled to arrive at Police
Headquarters on Jl. Trunojoyo in South Jakarta at 10 a.m.

Saefuddin, of the United Development Party (PPP), in October
last year remarked that he would be a better candidate than
Megawati for the next president as she was a Hindu.

Saefuddin questioned whether Muslims in Indonesia would accept
a non-Muslim president. Megawati is in fact a Muslim.

The remarks sparked an uproar from people of all walks of life
in Bali, where a majority of the population is Hindu, as the
remarks were considered to be insulting to Hindus.

Saefuddin later made a public apology which was said by some
national figures to be sufficient to end the furor.

However, many others demanded that the government take firm
action against Saefuddin for his remarks.

"In this case, somebody doesn't have to file a lawsuit as
police are being proactive toward what happens in public," Togar
said.

Saefuddin could be charged with violating Article 156 of the
Criminal Code for inciting hatred and hostility or denigrating a
certain group in public. The charge carries a maximum penalty of
four years imprisonment.

"That's why we need to summon Pak Saefuddin on Wednesday as we
still uphold the principle presumption of innocence," Togar said.
(emf)