Policewoman helps convict flee

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

A policewoman with the Central Jakarta Police has been arrested for allegedly assisting in the escape of her boyfriend, a convicted murderer.

City Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said on Friday that First Inspector Ida Handayani had been arrested in Bekasi, West Java last Tuesday for her role in the escape of Marine Second Corporal Suud Rusli, a convicted killer of PT Asaba director Boedyharto Angsono.

It is not clear how Ida helped Suud escape, but a source at the city police said Ida had known of Suud's whereabouts when he was on the run and had given him at least Rp 300,000 during that period.

Suud and fellow marine Second Lt. Syam Ahmad, were court- martialled and convicted last year for killing Boedyharto in July 2003. The two were sentenced to death and dishonorably discharged from the Navy.

They escaped from a Navy prison in Jakarta on May 5. Suud was recaptured on May 31 while Syam is still at large.

Suud remains in hospital after being shot by Navy officers as he resisted being recaptured.

Firman said that police were interrogating Ida as a suspect and another officer, identified as First Inspector S.B., as a witness in Suud's escape.

"We are now investigating their involvement in helping the prisoner run away," Firman said.

City police internal affairs chief Sr. Comr. Anwaruddin confirmed they were still questioning the two policewomen.

He said Ida would be charged under Article 221 of the Criminal Code on assisting in the escape of a prisoner, while SB would face interrogation for allegedly lending Ida money to help Suud evade police.