Sofjan Wanandi denies alleged links with PRD

JAKARTA (JP): Business baron Sofjan Wanandi denied over the weekend alleged links with the People's Democratic Party (PRD) but said he would meet the Jakarta Military Command's summons for a questioning in connection with a bomb blast blamed on the banned party.

Sofjan was quoted by Berita Buana daily as saying the questioning will take place today at the municipal agency for coordinating support for national stability's intelligent unit office on Jl. Kramat V, Central Jakarta.

"I think of the summons positively. There's nothing special with the summons. As a citizen, I will answer all the questions as much as I can," Sofjan said, adding that he did not know what sort of information the military wanted from him.

The agency issued a letter of summons Thursday, signed by Jakarta military chief of staff Brig. Gen. Sudi Silalahi.

Sofjan, who leads a large holding company Gemala Group, will be accompanied by his team of lawyers comprising Albert Hasibuan and Todung Mulya Lubis.

The local security authorities are investigating a homemade bomb explosion in a low-cost apartment in Tanah Tinggi, Central Jakarta last Sunday. Police arrested a man whom they alleged to be the bombmaker and are searching for other suspects.

Jakarta military commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Samsoeddin said Friday that a document bearing Sofjan's name was found at the bomb site.

Sofjan, fresh from a business trip to Singapore, said Saturday the finding surprised him.

"As a businessman, I always avoid putting myself in trouble or making an enemy of other people. It's difficult to believe, therefore, that I am involved in PRD's activities," said Sofjan, who is also member of the association of the country's richest conglomerates better known as Jimbaran group. (amd)