Student arrested for bomb threats

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: A student has been arrested in connection with a number of bomb threats received in prominent public buildings here in recent weeks, police said on Wednesday.

The student, 24-year-old Zulhamdi alias Dedi, is a student at a private Jakarta-based college and a former member of City Forum (Forum Kota) student activists' group, police said.

Police chief Brig. Gen. Mudji Santoso said Zulhamdi was charged after police listened to recordings of telephoned bomb threats and decided that it was the suspect's voice.

He said Zulhamdi confessed to the crimes without coercion.

In recent weeks, Bomb threats have been reported at the Al Markaz Al Islami Mosque, Hasanuddin University, Balla Tamalanrea church, the Muhammadiyah mosque and a number of other religious buildings.

Similar threats have also been made to the Sedona Hotel, the Stella Maria and Bertha hospitals, the state electricity firm PLN and a number of schools.

Police said Zulhamdi was intent on disrupting the city in the run-up to the general election. Residents were warned against being easily incited to violence by provocateurs. (27/30)