Soldier held for lending grenades to three civilians
Soldier held for lending grenades to three civilians
JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso
said yesterday the military police had arrested a soldier for
"lending" grenades to civilians.
Sutiyoso said the military police were still interrogating the
first soldier of the ammunition department. But he refused to
name the suspect.
"So far, the suspect has admitted to having "lent" the
grenades to three civilians for catching fish. However, he is
guilty and will be prosecuted according to the Military Law," he
said after attending the inauguration of security officers for
the coming general election at the Senayan eastern parking lot,
Central Jakarta.
Police have detained three civilians, Abdul Azis Umar, 31,
Saleh Abdullah, 37, and David bin Poniman, 32 for possession of
the three grenades.
Sutiyoso said the police were still looking for four more
grenades, but did not say how he knew how many to look for.
He said more grenades had been lent to civilians by members of
the Armed Forces.
Abdul Azis Umar's brother, Najib Umar went to the Foundation
of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI)'s office Thursday
for help. Lawyers Adnan Buyung Nasution and Bambang Widjojanto,
will represent the two brothers in the grenade case.
Back up
Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung yesterday inaugurated a
security unit formed as a back up for police officers securing
the capital during the general election, scheduled for May 29.
The security unit consists of 10,000 members of the Armed
Forces and neighborhood security staff.
The Strategic Army Reserve commander, Lt. Gen. Wiranto, City
Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata and Governor Surjadi Soedirdja
also attended the ceremony.
Sutiyoso also briefed reporters about the Alert Centers, which
began operating at five city mayoralties Monday.
The centers will become permanent if the military decide they
successfully prevent violence and riots.
"We have received about 60 reports from people about many
things since we announced the 122 phone number and 122 PO Box. I
appreciate the people's help," he said.
He said the center was staffed by personnel from the military
district, police precinct and leaders of the community. The
center is headed by the Military District Chief. (jun)