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Father-in-law suspected of helping Hutomo disappear

Source
South China Morning Post - November 30, 2000

Vaudine England, Jakarta – Confusion in Indonesia surrounding the whereabouts of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra has reached new levels with the naming of his father-in-law as a possible conspirator in his disappearance, and persistent rumours of a deal with the President to allow his escape.

Hutomo, the youngest son of ex-president Suharto, vanished on November 3 to avoid serving an 18-month jail term for corruption. His wife, five siblings and even his satay-maker have been questioned as to his whereabouts.

His father remains ailing and silent. But his father-in-law, Bambang Sucahyo Aji Suryo, is accused of obstructing prosecutors in their search. Police spokesman Brigadier-General Saleh Saaf said Mr Sucahyo's response to police questioning had been misleading and warranted investigation. If charged and found guilty, Mr Sucahyo could face up to nine months' jail. The spokesman also said Hutomo's six lawyers may be charged with hampering the probe.

As the Government struggles to find the former playboy, even parliament is publicly wondering what exactly went on in the private meeting between the fugitive and President Abdurrahman Wahid last month.

Some reports claim that the Suharto side managed to record the meeting and is threatening to release the tape if police get too close to arresting Hutomo. Government confidants doubt any recording was made, but are not disputing that two meetings took place between Mr Wahid and Hutomo.

The assumption is that a cash-for-freedom deal was discussed, although Mr Wahid denies anything corrupt occurred and is threatening to sue members of the Suharto clan for slander. Tellingly, a recent account has Hutomo simply asking President Wahid not to intervene in the legal process, because without such meddling "Tommy's people were convinced they would be able to beat the system".

A friend of Mr Wahid, Iskandar Noer, firmly denies a payoff was discussed at either the first Borobudur Hotel meeting, or the brief Regent Hotel follow-up. But the rumour mill is prompting parliamentarians to consider calling President Wahid to account.

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