Police uncover ancient statue theft syndicate

KLATEN: Central Java Police has uncovered a syndicate that stole two ancient statues from Plaosan Buddhist temples in Klaten near Yogyakarta and arrested three men responsible for the theft.

The suspects, identified as Sumarno, Sumanto and Setiartoro, will be charged under the 1992 Cultural Heritage Conservation Law, which carries a maximum 10-year sentence.

Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo said Monday the police had found 32 statues at Sumanto's home, some of which were ancient, including the heads of the Bodhisatwa and Dhyani Buddha statues that date back to the 9th century, which was ruled by the Syailendra dynasty.

During questioning Sumanto insisted he had inherited the statues from his parents. - JP