Soldiers linked to torture case

Soldiers linked to torture case

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

After arresting two key suspects, the city police are investigating
the alleged involvement of seven military personnel in the
abduction and torture of a businessman, Setiadji, 45, last week.

"We haven't enough proof that TNI personnel were involved in
the kidnapping or assault as yet, but we will keep investigating
the case," city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said on
Friday.

The abduction was allegedly organized by lawyer Setiono Arsyad
on April 1 after Setiadji, an oil businessman, failed to repay a
large debt to the lawyer's acquaintances.

Setiono allegedly invited Setiadji to his office
at the Cilandak Commercial Estate in South Jakarta on April 1.

Suspecting nothing, Setiadji, who lives nearby, duly came to
Setiono's office.

"When Setiadji arrived at Setiono's place, several people were
already waiting for him there," Tjiptono said, adding that
Setiono tried to coerce the businessman into repaying the debt
immediately.

Setiadji told the lawyer and his acquaintances that he
couldn't repay the debt right away and asked for more time.

It was not clear how much Setiadji owed to Setiono's
acquaintances but a police officer said that it could be as much
as Rp 4 billion (US$440,000).

To put further pressure on Setiadji, Setiono allegedly paid
seven military personnel to abduct Setiadji and bring him to a
place in Cengkareng, Banten province, where he was kept against
his will from April 1 to April 7.

During that time, Setiono was allegedly brutally tortured. He
was beaten around the head, and had holes drilled through the
palms of his hands. His money was also taken.

After his release on April 7, Setiadji immediately reported
Setiono to city police headquarters.

Setiono was then arrested on Tuesday (April 12) at Soekarno-
Hatta Airport upon his arrival from Pekanbaru, Riau province,
while his wife Lisa was picked up earlier at their home.

City police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said that another
suspect, identified as Azis, was arrested on Friday.

Firman said the police were still hunting four other suspects
in the case and had begun questioning the detained suspects.

"The motive for this case of abduction and torture is
business. We are still trying to get more information on who else
was involved. We have not apprehended any military personnel so
far," he said after Friday prayers at city police headquarters.

A police source, however, said that in his complaint, Setiadji
had clearly mentioned the involvement of seven military
personnel.

"Setiadji also said when making his statement that the
military men were Marines. However, we must be careful not to
cause any problems with the military, so we can't specify their
role in the case," said the source, who asked for anonymity.

All the suspects have been charged under Articles 170, 333 and
368 of the Criminal Code on abduction, extortion and torture
respectively, each of which carries a minimum sentence of five
years in prison.