Jakarta – Ali Sadikin, a prominent figure of the Petition of 50, was questioned om Monday (17/3) by the Intelligence Operations Center of the Attorney General's Office for about an hour. Besides Ali Sadikin, information was also requested from former Information Department Secretary General Jusuf Ronodipuro. They were questioned in connection with a statement made by Soebadio Sastrosatomo.

According to Attorney General Singgih talking to journalists in Jakarta, the questioning of Ali Sadikin and Jusuf Ronodipuro was occasioned by the statement given by Soebadio Sastrosatomo on 6 March, 1997 to the Intelligence Operations Center.

Singgih said that both of them (Ali Sadikin and Jusuf) had asked for the book titled "New Era New Leader: Badio Rejects the New Order Regime" -, circulation of which had been prohibited by the Attorney General's Office since 4 March, 1997. Ali Sadikin had even asked Soebadio's permission to copy that book. "Yes, and now we ask them for an explanation," said Singgih.

One hour

Bang Ali, intimate nickname of Ali Sadikin, arrived at the Round building of the Attorney General's Office around 09.00 West Indonesia Time, a little later than Jusuf Ronodipuro who was present about a half hour earlier. The questioning of the two by the Intelops Center did not last very long. "Yes, about one hour," said Bang Ali in answer to journalists.

Bang Ali's face showed no signs of anxiety. On the other hand, the Attorney General's Office had arranged such tight escorting, that the interview by the press with Bang Ali after the questioning, did not run smoothly.

On that occasion Bang Ali only said that he had been interviewed concerning four points, such as whether he had Soebadio's book in his possession. "I said that I did own that book. If they wanted to take it, go ahead. But I have not yet copied it," said Bang Ali in the midst of a mob of journalists that day.

Another question launched by the Attorney General's Intelops Center, said the former Governor of Jakarta, was whether he had participated in drafting that book. "I said, no. I never had a hand in the writing of that book. Just read Badio's interview, it is clear enough there," he said firmly.

Asked for his opinion about the book written by Soebadio, Bang Ali answered relaxedly that Badio was consistent with regard to his cause. "That is his right, and I appreciate his courage in that matter," he added, without wanting to give further clarification whether he really wanted to make copies of Soebadio's book. The journalists did not get an opportunity to meet Jusuf after the questioning that day. During the questioning Bang Ali was sided by Munir from the Indonesian Legal Aid Organizations Foundation (YLBHI).

Only questioned

Attorney General Singgih explained to journalists that Ali Sadikin and Jusuf Ronodipuro were called in connection with Soebadio's statement during the questioning on last 6 March. On that occasion Soebadio disclosed that Bang Ali and Jusuf had asked for the book he wrote. Bang Ali even asked permission from Soebadio to multiply the book.

Therefore, said Singgih, his side only asked for clarification from Ali Sadikin. "Just asking, why. Did he still have the book, or not. If so, because that book has been prohibited, it should be handed in," said Singgih.

When asked to clarify the status of Soebadio and Ali Sadikin in this case, Singgih was not willing to do so. "I don't know yet, we will have to see the results of the questioning," he said. What is clear, said Singgih, is that the Attorney General's Office in this case is only carrying out its duties. As an enforcer of law it must be able to question why something has happened, what the reasons are, what the consequences were and the like.

"What is the target of the Attorney General's Office in this Soebadio case. Has Soebadio already become the accused?" journalists asked further. On hearing this, Singgih laughingly answered, "Hey, this all started from Pak Badio's own statement, because the book is prohibited. Now interrogation is still going on, so the status of Soebadio cannot yet be determined, including whether he will be asked for further information or not." (*)