TEMPO, 17 May 2002 19:9:47 WIB
Witness: "Berty Loupatty Instructed by Kopassus"
17 May 2002 19:9:47 WIB
TEMPO Interaktif, Jakarta: Berty Loupatty, a top figure in the Coker (Christian Boys)
gang, told one of his gang members to plant explosive materials at the Paulus Church
in the Kudamati area of Ambon, allegedly on the instructions of the Army’s Special
Force (Kopassus).
Detective Chief of Pattimura Military Command Lt. Colonel Irwansyah quoted a
witness as saying at his office on Thursday (16/5), "Loupatty was instructed to do so
by Kopassus."
A member of the public Emang Nikijuluw (54) also confirmed what the witness said.
After meeting with witnesses and investigators at the Ambon Police HQ, Nikijuluw
went on to say that the witness was arrested while he was going to place the material
explosives at the church.
Chief of Kopassus in Maluku, Major Imam Santosa Rahmadany denied the
accusation, saying his staff would not take any action without his permission.
However, he confirmed that he has stationed some of his staff in Loupatty’s network.
As previously reported by Tempo Interaktif on Wednesday (15/5), Loupatty’s gang
"the Coker" has been allegedly involved in triggering clashes between Moslem and
Christian neighborhoods during the last two years.
In order to stop this, the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) tried to arrest the gang leader
on Tuesday (14/5).
However, the operation aimed at arresting Loupatty—who is said to have a close
relationship with Kopassus--triggered a clash between Brimob and Kopassus. (Friets
Kerlely–Ambon)
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