Zacky could become a suspect in July 1996 attack: Djasri
BANDUNG (JP): The status of former Maj. Gen. Zacky Anwar Makarim, former chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces' (ABRI) Intelligence Body (BIA) at the time of the violent July 1996 attack on the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters in Central Jakarta could be shifted from a witness to a suspect, a senior military police officer said on Tuesday.
"In the (current) initial inquiry, we questioned him as a witness. But we will continue our investigation to determine whether or not he will be among the suspects," National Military Police Commander Maj. Gen. Djasri Marin told reporters after the handover ceremony of commander of the Siliwangi Command's Military Police from Col. Wasito to Col. Darmadi.
Djasri insisted that his office would remain independent and clean from any external intervention, including from the military or the government.
"Neither the National Police chief, Army Chief of Staff nor TNI (Indonesian Military) commander has conveyed (special) messages to us (to let free the military officials accused in the attack), so far," he said.
On Monday, a joint police-military team at Djasri's office began the initial questioning of high ranking military and police officers, including Zacky, about their knowledge of the attack.
Besides Zacky, the team also questioned Brig. Gen. Basir Badrawi, former chief of adjutants under then National Police chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo.
Zacky and Basir were named as witnesses of the attack.
Basir Badrawi, questioned separately, insisted that he had no idea about any meetings held by his boss, Dibyo, to plan the attack.
"Formally, I did not know that there was a meeting discussing the attack. I only knew of the incident from the media," said Basir, who is currently Jakarta Police deputy chief.
The team, established in June, is scheduled to question other high ranking generals, including Dibyo, Gen. (ret) Feisal Tanjung, former chief of ABRI, and Lt. Gen. (ret) Sutiyoso, former chief of the City Military Command and currently Governor of Jakarta.
Separately on Monday, Soerjadi, former chairman of PDI, who has been named as suspect in the case said after questioning that "the attack was committed by police Mobile Brigade members and military personnel from Jaya Sakti Battalion of the Jakarta Military Command led by Col. Tritamtomo."
A group of supporters of the Soerjadi-led PDI splinter faction, backed by elements of ABRI, raided and took over the party headquarters from loyalists of ousted PDI leader Megawati Soekarnoputri.
The take over triggered unrest throughout the city, claimed at least five lives and 23 people are still missing. (25/bsr/asa)