Public warned about questionable fund-raising

Public warned about questionable fund-raising

JAKARTA (JP): Police warned the public ahead of the 56th
anniversary of Independence Day to be aware of any questionable
fund-raising activities to celebrate the event that use the names
of former president Sukarno and his family.

City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said on
Sunday that there had not been any public complaints submitted
yet to police headquarters in relation to the warning, but there
were strong indications that some people would try the ploy in
the capital.

"Principally, we have reason to believe that some groups and
individuals are preparing to benefit from the annual celebration
using the name of Pak Karno and his family members, including
President Megawati Soekarnoputri," Anton said, adding that the
criminals often claimed to be from a foundation.

Anton said the groups or individuals would most likely sell
calendars, posters and other memorabilia of Sukarno and his
family.

He added that other groups would probably ask directly for
donations for the establishment of schools or activities in
commemoration of Independence Day.

He suggested the public ignore any appeals made by groups or
individuals who claim to have connections with Sukarno and his
family.

"If they come to your door, politely turn down their requests
and if possible, take note of their address. The police are
expecting the public to also report the incident to the nearest
police station so that we can track them down and make an
arrest," Anton said.

He also said that Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Yacob
had instructed all police officers in Greater Jakarta to
anticipate the crime.(emf)