Witness in Batutulis dig quizzed

Witness in Batutulis dig quizzed

BOGOR, West Java: Police investigators summoned on Monday the head of the West Java Historical Heritage Conservation Agency, Endjat Djaenudradjat, to shed some light on the excavation of the Batutulis inscribed stone in Bogor.

"I am not here as an expert witness, but I did tell (police investigators) about the invaluable archeological artifacts damaged in the dig," Endjat said.

The police have opened an investigation into the excavation of the Batutulis inscription in response to a public outcry over Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agil Al Munawar's treasure hunt at the site.

Police investigators have so far summoned a total of 13 witnesses.

Endjat said the police asked him a total of 17 questions during the questioning, which began at 10 a.m. and ended at 3:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, Bogor Police chief Adj. Sr.Cmr. Setyo Wasisto said that as part of their investigation of the excavation, his officers would summon independent expert witnesses from the National Archeology Research and Development Center and the Department of Anthropology at the University of Indonesia.

"We will look into the legal precedents and examine any damage caused (at the site). After that, we will name suspects, if any," he said. --JP