Former State Intelligence Agency (BIN) deputy chief Muchdi Purwopranjono has requested a city arrest, as the Attorney General's Office (AGO) prepares to indict him for his role in the murder of human rights activist Munir Said Thalib in 2004.

Lawyers representing Muchdi said Monday humanitarian reasons were behind the request for their client's transfer from a police detention center in Kelapa Dua, Depok, to his home.

A city arrest will bar Muchdi from traveling outside the capital without permission from state prosecutors.

"Muchdi assured the AGO he wouldn't escape. His family will be the bail. From a legal point of view, family is the strongest bail of all," said Achmad Cholid, one of Muchdi's lawyers.

Cholid denied allegations the city arrest would allow his client to manipulate evidence or influence witnesses.

"My client wants to be ready for the upcoming trial. We – the lawyers and family – also want adequate preparations and easy access to Muchdi during the legal process," Achmad said.

Assistant attorney general for general crimes Abdul Hakim Ritonga said state prosecutors would take into consideration safety concerns and possible public reaction before deciding whether to grant Muchdi's request.

"We will make a decision in the coming few days, but we are concerned about the suspect's safety if he is moved to his home," Ritonga said.

The AGO officially took over Muchdi's dossier in the murder case from the police on Monday.

The suspect faces a charge of premeditated murder, which carries a maximum penalty of death. The AGO said it would request the death penalty, saying evidence in a letter uncovered by the police was proof enough of Muchdi's involvement in the murder.

The letter, which had been reported missing, was first mentioned at the trial of former Garuda pilot Pollycarpus Budihari Prijanto, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the case. Indra Setiawan, a witness in the Pollycarpus trial, testified he received a classified letter from BIN asking for Pollycarpus to be assigned as a security crew member for Munir's flight to Amsterdam.

Ritonga said Muchdi's dossier included evidence such as written records of letters sent and received by Muchdi and his cash flow, as well as three letters from BIN.

He said the AGO would hand the case over to the South Jakarta District Court by Friday at the latest. "Pollycarpus will be one of 13 witnesses we will present in Muchdi's trial," Ritonga said.

He confirmed, however, former BIN chief A.M. Hendropiyono was not on the list of witnesses.

Munir died of arsenic poisoning, administered during a stopover at Singapore's Changi Airport in September 2004.