Prisoner's wife silent over escape plan

Prisoner's wife silent over escape plan

JAKARTA (JP): Police are facing difficulties in questioning a
woman in regard to the five prisoners who were found on Tuesday
night in possession of bomb equipment hidden in their cell in
Tangerang Penitentiary.

The homemade bomb, whose components were smuggled into the
prison, was to be used in their escape attempt scheduled for
Friday next week.

Tangerang Police deputy chief Comr. Ricky Wakanno identified
the woman as Asih, 24, wife of robbery convict Deddy Susanto, one
of the five prisoners arrested.

Asih allegedly smuggled in the bomb-making equipment and
materials.

"Since we detained her late Wednesday night, she has kept mum.
She has hardly said two words to us, and we believe it's because
she herself does not understand what kind of a mess she has
gotten herself into," Ricky told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

"She's a villager, who has little or no knowledge at all about
bombs. We believe her husband ordered her to bring in the
equipment, like the timer, batteries, stove wicks ... and we are
not sure she clearly understood why her husband needed those
things."

Ricky added that within the next three days, Tangerang Police
would be questioning several wardens for allowing Asih to enter
the prison unchecked.

The other inmates arrested were embezzlement convict
Sugiyanto, drug convict Sunardi and robbery convicts Sigit
Harianto and Muhammad Iqbal. They occupied cell No. 6 of Block
C2.

Police said Asih smuggled in the bomb-making equipment
gradually in each visit she made to the prison. Family members of
Sugianto also helped to smuggle in components. (ylt)