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)