Temanggung. Police have named a villager from Wonoboyo, Temanggung, as the mastermind of rioting in the district on Tuesday.
Central Java police chief Inspector General Edward Aritonang said Saturday that the man, identified only as SYB, was the one who had allegedly organized and directed rioters who burned churches after a court verdict in a blasphemy case.
He said the rioters gathered the day before the incident and planned to meet at the Temanggung district court to attend the blasphemy trial.
"SYB is the actor who organized and gave directions. They [the rioters] received fuel money and a rice box that SYB probably had bought using his own money or money from his sympathizers. We are still investigating where the funds come from," he said.
Edward said SYB had done it because he was not satisfied with the maximum five-year sentence given to defendant Antonius Richmond Bawengan.
"According to Article 156 of the Criminal Code the sentence is already maximal. But for them it must be a death sentence," Edward said.
The regional police chief said until now the police have identified 24 suspects. They They are now being interrogated at the regional police command headquarters.
He said the 24 suspects are from Temanggung. "The mastermind and the number of suspects may still increase because the investigation is not yet finished," he said.
Edward said hoped the people would not be easily influenced by rumors. He said the situation in Temanggung is now secure. Security personnel that have been stationed in houses of prayer and government offices would be withdrawn in stages.
Two churches were burned and another one vandalized during the rioting.
Antara
zo 13 feb 2011 - 4:40