Indonesian police on Wednesday began investigating foreign nationals in Jakarta for links to the bomb outside the Philippine ambassador's residence, which killed two Indonesians and injured the ambassador.
"We are looking into the case. All evidence linked to the case is being collected to be investigated at the forensic laboratory," National Police Chief General Rusdiharjo told journalists before a cabinet meeting.
Rusdiharjo said police were checking foreign guests staying in hotels in Jakarta for possible connections to the bombing, which fractured the legs of Manila's ambassador to Jakarta, Leonides Caday, and injured 20 others.
"We are looking into the possibility of foreign links ... especially from the north because the bomb attack was aimed at the Philippines ambassador," Rusdiharjo said.
Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid, while expressing regret over the bombing and the victims, has said he believed the Jakarta blast could have been linked to the Philippines' internal affairs.
But the police chief did not rule out the possibility the attack had been carried out by Indonesian citizens.
"There are many possibilities. It is also possible that internal elements might have committed this," he said.
He said the type of explosive used in the bomb was TNT as it contained a large amounts of nitrate and produced gray smoke.
Rusdiharjo said security measures at foreign embassies in the capital would be stepped-up to prevent repeat incidents.
"We want to convince them that they receive good protection from Indonesia," he said.
Witnesses said Indonesian security personnel on Wednesday could be seen guarding several nearby embassy premises, including the residence of the US ambassador.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian military condemned the bomb attack.
"It was an irresponsible terrorist act. The Indonesian military extends condolences and deep concerns to the families of the victims and the ambassador," armed forces commander Admiral Widodo Adisucipto said.
"The military will do all it can to help the police to investigate the case and in securing the embassies and residences of diplomats," Widodo added.
The foreign ministry issued a statement saying it "strongly condemned" the attack, and called it an act of cowardice.
"Such a cowardly and irresponsible act of terrorism is simply intolerable and aimed at discrediting the government of Indonesia as well as creating an atmosphere of fear within the community," a ministry statement said.
"The Government of the Republic of Indonesia is deeply concerned with the suffering of the victims and is determined to thoroughly investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to justice." – JAKARTA (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
