Public warned of fund-raising fraud

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.

"Pak Sofjan has instructed his subordinates to be on alert because there are strong indications that certain groups will use the occasion to their advantage," Anton said, adding that the police would charge those who attempted fraud.(emf)