DATE=03/27/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=INDONESIA/SUHARTO (S)

NUMBER=2-288043

BYLINE=PATRICIA NUNAN

DATELINE=JAKARTA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The trial of Tommy Suharto, the son of Indonesia's former president, has resumed in the capital, Jakarta. Arguments Wednesday focused on whether Mr. Suharto owned the weapons used in the murder of a Supreme Court judge last year. V-O-A's Patricia Nunan has more on the story.

TEXT: Tommy Suharto says a cache of weapons police charge was found at his home did not belong to him. Tying the gun to him is a key element of the prosecution's case.

The youngest son of former president Suharto, Tommy Suharto is facing possible life sentence if

convicted of masterminding the murder of a Supreme Court judge who had previously sentenced him to prison. He is alleged to have paid four

gunmen to kill the judge, with weapons he provided himself.

At the time of the murder, Mr. Suharto was a fugitive. He went into hiding after being found guilty of corruption in September 2000 -- and eluded authorities for a year. During that time, his conviction was overturned. Authorities apprehended him last November.

The trial is considered a test for Indonesia's ability to prosecute influential people. Many Indonesians believe all six of the Suharto children used former president's influence to build business empires during his 30-year rule. Tommy Suharto is the first member of the family to be put on trial. (Signed)

NEB/HK/PN/HB/MAR