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