The Jakarta Post, November 29, 2004
Poso Police put price on suspects' heads
Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Poso
After two weeks of a fruitless manhunt, the Poso Police chief announced on Saturday
a reward to anyone who provided information on the perpetrators behind the recent
Poso Central Market blast.
"We will give a Rp 25 million (US$2,800) reward to whoever catches them or informs
us as to their identities and whereabouts," Poso Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Abdi
Dharma Sitepu told The Jakarta Post.
Abdi said the police decided to offer a reward so Poso residents would be encouraged
to reveal information on the perpetrators.
"One of the problems we face in solving crimes in Poso is the unwillingness of the
Poso community to report any information to us. Some have even concealed the
whereabouts of suspects involved in murders, shootings or bombings," Abdi said.
The police chief said investigators had so far questioned dozens of witnesses who
were in the vicinity of the explosion, including public minivan driver Dekianus, but no
one appeared to know anything about the perpetrators.
Poso Police are continuing to probe the case along with a team of detectives from
National Police headquarters, who have been deployed to assist local police in the
conflict area.
The Nov. 13 bombing of Poso Central Market killed six passengers of a public
minivan.
Poso was rocked by sectarian clashes that broke out in 2000 and killed some 2,000
people over the next two years. The security situation improved in 2002, but sporadic
armed attacks and bombings continue to this day.
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