Police to summon minister over treasure dig

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.