Shamans summoned over Batutulis case

Shamans summoned over Batutulis case

BOGOR, West Java: The Bogor Police have issued a second summons for three shamans who reportedly advised Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agil Husin Al Munawar to excavate a historical site in Batutulis here last month.

The chairman of the People's Alliance for Indonesian Cultural Conservation, Gartono, said after a meeting with Bogor Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Setyo Wasisto on Friday the three could be questioned as suspects after a witness indicated the excavation had damaged the historical site.

The police identified the shamans as Faris S of Probolinggo, East Java, Safrudin of Indramayu, West Java, and Khalimi of Kebayoran, South Jakarta.

Gartono quoted Setyo as saying that the three men had ignored the first summons for questioning on Sept. 10.

The police have questioned 18 witnesses and are waiting for the President's approval to question Said Agil, who has repeatedly apologized for the treasure hunt in Batutulis.

Gartono said his organization would proceed with a class action suit against the minister. -- JP