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.