Heru Andriyanto – The Attorney General's Office on Thursday said it has begun to examine a book released in response to an earlier text linking President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the Bank Century scandal.

Amari, the deputy attorney general for intelligence, said the AGO was looking at "Hanya Fitnah dan Cari Sensasi: George Revisi Book" ("Slander and Sensationalism: George's Revisionist Book").

"Slander and Sensationalism," which was released this month, was Setyardi Negara's answer to "Membongkar Gurita Cikeas: Di Balik Skandal Bank Century" ("Unraveling the Cikeas Octopus: Behing the Bank Century Scandal").

The first book, written by George Junus Aditjondro, accuses Yudhoyono's ruling Democratic Party of using nonprofit foundations associated with the president to transfer funds to its coffers during the 2009 elections. The book also claims that state funds intended to bail out Bank Century were diverted to one of the foundations.

"The AGO is looking over both books now," Amari said. However, he did not say if prosecutors would recommend banning the books.

Before it could rule on a ban, he said, the AGO would need to consult with officials from various government agencies, including the National Police, the Armed Forces (TNI), the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of National Education.

"Let's see whether we need to really ban these books or not," Amari said. "Of course, if we don't think a ban is necessary, we don't have to consult on the matter with other government agencies."

When he released his book earlier this month, Setyardi said his 28-page offering was written as a "review" George's "Unraveling the Cikeas Octopus."

Julius Felicianus, chief executive officer of Galang Press, which published "Unraveling the Cikeas Octopus," earlier told the Jakarta Globe that many government insiders and officials had come forward following the book's release to offer George information and data to support the claims made in the text.