Police to summon minister over treasure dig

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Legal process against Minister of Religious Affairs Said Aqil Al Munawar in connection with the excavation of a protected historical heritage site in Batutulis looks set to continue despite a public apology from the state official.

Bogor Police in West Java have questioned seven witnesses, including four diggers, identified as Acep, 45, Iis, 40, Zaenuri, 35, and Mamat, 44, and an employee with the West Java and Banten historical heritage conservation office, Firman, 32.

A police source said a summons dated Aug. 19 was sent to archeologist and head of the West Java and Banten historical heritage conservation office Endjat Djaenudrajat on Tuesday.

Next in line could be the minister, who has come under fire following the recent excavation, which, he said, was aimed at uncovering a treasure inherited by King Siliwangi of Pajajaran, said the source.

He said investigation of the minister was possible because it was a civil offense.

"The treasure dig violates Law No. 5/1992 on Cultural Sanctuary," he said. The offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail.

An investigation into a state official requires a permit from the president.

State Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gde Ardika has said his office would not take legal action against his colleague, adding no harm had been done to the historical site by the diggers.

During his visit to the North Sumatra capital of Medan on Monday evening, Said Aqil conveyed his apology to the Sunda community that inherited the Pajajaran artifacts for the uproar resulting from the treasure hunt.

"God willing, the treasure exists, but I apologize if the public feels offended for the lack of coordination in the excavation. I have no political interest at stake at all," Said Aqil told reporters after a meeting with ulemas and lecturers of the North Sumatra Islamic University.

He said the treasure hunt would be stopped.

"I did not intend to harm the historical site, but to follow up on information a cleric gave me," he said.

There have been demands for him to resign due to his irrational attitude, but Said Aqil said he would not bow to such pressure unless the President herself asked him to quit the Cabinet.

Said Aqil has said that the treasure dig was approved by the President, but on Tuesday Megawati's aide Pramono Anung denied the claim.

The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) joined the chorus of criticism, saying the controversial treasure hunt would adversely affect the image of Islam and the country.

"Islam, as a religion, teaches us to think logically," MUI deputy chairman Amidan asserted.

In Bandung, the Sunda community, grouped under the Bandung Spirit, pondered a class action against the minister, whom they accused of having insulted their pride.

The statement was issued by 100 cultural and mass organization activists following a meeting at the Arts Center on Jl. Naripan.

Sunda community figure Elon Suchlan said the group would push for a formal investigation into the minister for violating the law on cultural heritage conservation.

In contrast to Minister Ardika's claim, Tonny said the excavation had caused damage to the Batutulis historical site.