An Indonesian man said to be Schapelle Corby's boyfriend has admitted to possessing marijuana, but denied he is any more than a friend to the Australian drug smuggler.
On the first day of the trial of Bernard P. Simanjuntak, better known as Ben Panangian, the judges went out of their way to question the accused over his links with the infamous Australian.
He faces a maximum of 12 years in prison after being arrested on August 20 for possession, carrying and use of marijuana in three packages, the one found on the street weighing 0.64g, then two more at his home weighing 0.99g and 6.58g.
Arresting officers Kadek Satria A Kusuma and I Made Ariawan told the Denpasar court they were searching the house of another man suspected of drug possession, Yoga, at Nusa Dua, when Panangian approached the house on a motorbike.
"When we came towards him, he threw a package away. We found marijuana in it. Later when we searched his place, we found more marijuana in there," the police told the court.
"He said it was for personal use".
In a brief exchange with head judge Beslin Sihombing, Panangian agreed that the police statements were correct.
After the arresting officers finished laying out their case, one of three judges, Anom Wirakanta, asked them: "Did police find a link to any foreigners? … I ask because I heard he had a link to Corby - was that investigated?"
Police said they had not pursued that line of inquiry, having concentrated on the facts on the field.
Later, head judge Mr Anom then asked similar questions of Panangian.
Judge: Do you know the name mentioned before? Corby?
Panangian: I know her. A friend.
Judge: Friend? Or friend?
Panangian: I know her just as a friend.
Outside court, a second judge, Mr Wirakanta said: "We will ask him more when he sits as a defendant to be cross examined".
The accused's alleged link with Corby have been widely reported. The pair were in Kerobokan prison together a number of years ago, and were often seen kissing and holding hands in the visiting area.
They were also seen together outside prison since Corby's release earlier this year on parole.
Panangian, who is originally from the island of Sumatra, said he had lived in Bali for about 10 years and worked in "marketing for a surfboard materials shop".
with Amilia Rosa
