Suspects released in mangrove case

Evi Mariani, Jakarta

Jakarta Police have freed three people suspected of illegally clearing mangrove trees as the investigators considered their release would not hamper the investigation process.

"The investigators of the case said the questioning has been completed. The suspects have been released but have to report to the police once every two weeks," city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo said on Friday.

Francis Moniaga of the PT Rainbow Cipta Utama ad agency, Agus Suseno from the PT Graha Skylindo ad agency and Purwadi, an employee with toll road operator PT Jasa Marga, had been detained since May 28 over their alleged involvement in the clearing of 240 mangrove trees in a protected forest along the Prof. Dr. Sedyatmo toll road in North Jakarta.

The presence of mangrove trees, which grow in coastal and swampy areas, is critical in helping reduce the impact of annual flooding in the city, especially on the busy airport toll road.

The three suspects could be charged under environment Law No. 23/1997 and Law No. 5/1990 on conserving natural resources and the ecosystem, as well as Law No. 41/1999 on forestry.

Prasetyo said although the suspects were accused of violating laws that carried maximum penalties of more than five years in prison, the investigators might consider mitigating factors.

"Usually there are three considerations: The suspects must not run or hide, they cannot dispose of evidence and they can not hamper investigations," he said.

The police can detain any suspects who are charged with breaking a law that carries a sentence of at least five years imprisonment.

Prasetyo said the resource and environmental division investigators had told him the suspects had cooperated with police during the questioning.