Suspects released in mangrove case

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.