Jakarta – Five Peoples Democratic Party (PRD) activists who are witnesses in the trial of Garda Sembiring in the Central Jakarta State Court on Wednesday (12/3), jointly withdrew their statements in their Preliminary Investigation Reports (BAP). The grounds were that they were in the same position as Garda, that is accused in the same case.

"In accordance with article 168 of the Indonesian Criminal Code which states that witnesses who are also accused can withdraw themselves. I use that right, and as a result I withdraw my BAP statement. Therefore, I cannot continue to be used as a tool by the court", said Budiman Sudjatmiko, the head of the PRD.

Aside from Budiman, four other PRD activists were presented by the court as witnesses. All of them refused, they are Petrus H Hariyanto, Suroso, Ignatius Damianus Pranowo, and Eko Kurniwan.

The presiding judge, Madnjono had already warned the five witnesses that it was the obligation of all citizens to give testimony and that a person who does not want to be a witness can be punished.

Separately however, the five witnesses stated that they will continue to refused to be witnesses along with withdrawing their BAP statements. "When I was questioned [prior to going to trial - JB], the investigator did not explain my rights as a suspect. Only now do I know them, so I withdraw my BAP statement", said Budiman.

[Abridged translation from Kompas - JB]