Prabowo, Muchdi testify before Honor Council

JAKARTA (JP): The Officers Honor Council continued questioning yesterday of two former chiefs of the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) over alleged involvement in the abductions and torture of political activists.

Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto and Maj. Gen. Muchdi Purwopranjono -- both recently removed from their positions -- testified in two separate sessions. Muchdi, Prabowo's successor as Kopassus commander, arrived first at Army headquarters on Jl. Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, at 9 a.m. His session finished at 2:05 p.m.

During a break in the hearing, Muchdi left the headquarters and got into his dark green sedan. He alighted five minutes later and reentered the building.

Prabowo's testimony was much shorter as he arrived at 2:45 p.m. and left the military compound half an hour later.

The sessions were presided over by chairman of the seven- member council Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, who is also the Army Chief of Staff.

The council started the investigation into the kidnappings Tuesday, a day after its establishment was announced by Armed Forces Chief Gen. Wiranto. The first official to appear before the council was Col. Chairawan, former chief of Kopassus' intelligence operation.

The council also inspected several locations, believed to be the sites where the abductees were held, at the Kopassus headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta, on Wednesday. No official statement has been made available about the investigation so far.

Meanwhile, in Subang, West Java, Wiranto categorically denied the establishment of the council was due to pressure from the U.S.

He also said the Armed Forces had yet to decide the replacement for Prabowo as the commander of the ABRI Staff and Command School.

"(Prabowo) has a deputy. When a commander was absent, a deputy would automatically take his place and carry out the duties of a commander."

Wiranto also urged the public to be patient and wait until the council completes its investigation.

"ABRI has opened up, shown its commitment, its spirit (to support) reform. We are improving what needs to be improved. So please wait and be patient," he told reporters covering his visit to join ABRI personnel harvest soybeans they planted in a public service activity. (43/imn)