Questioning of Bambang and Aberson continues

JAKARTA (JP): The authorities continued questioning senior politician Aberson Marle Sihaloho and lawyer Bambang Widjojanto yesterday in connection with the July 27 riots.

Aberson, an outspoken legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party, has been accused of defaming President Soeharto, sowing hatred against the government and undermining the government.

Jakarta Police Chief Detective Col. Paimin Abuamr told reporters he had received the go-ahead from President Soeharto to question the legislator as a suspect. By law, a legislator cannot be questioned for criminal acts without the approval of the head of state.

Under Indonesian law, those found guilty of defaming the President are liable to a maximum jail term of six years. Sowing hatred against the government and undermining the government carry sentences of seven years and 18 months respectively.

Bambang, whose office was the venue for the launch of the Democratic People's Party's (PRD), had been questioned four times by government investigators.

Bambang initially refused to comply with the summons on the grounds that he is one of the defense lawyers of the PRD leaders, who are facing subversion charges.

He argued that a lawyer could not be summoned as a witness for the case of his or her clients.

Bambang is defending PRD leaders Petrus H. Haryanto and Budiman Sudjatmiko, as well as the chairman of the Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union, Muchtar Pakpahan.

The government has accused the PRD of inciting the July 27 riots in the capital. Meanwhile, Muchtar has been denied information on what offense he is being held for, which the government has merely referred to as "subversive" in nature.

The Attorney General's Office has detained 12 suspects from the PRD.

Bambang said the government investigators allowed him to be accompanied by two lawyers from his foundation during the questioning.

He said he refused to answer questions on the foundation's financial sources.

Attorney General Singgih has said that the government will finish the overall investigation in November, during which time its results will be submitted to the Central Jakarta District Court. Singgih also said that all people involved in the July 27 riots will be questioned. (16)