LPSK Ready To Protect Witnesses And Victims Of Police And FPI Shootout

Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) Edwin Partogi Pasaribu. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has stated that it is ready to provide protection to victims and witnesses who know about the shooting incident between the police and members of the Islamic Defenders Front social organization that took place around the Karawang Timur Toll Gate, West Java, Monday, December 7.

"Victims and witnesses who have important information and are worried about threats, LPSK is ready to provide protection," said LPSK Deputy Chairman Edwin Partogi Pasaribu in a written statement in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Tuesday, December 8.

Edwin said that a professional and accountable legal process should be put forward in resolving this case.

According to him, it is important to hasten law enforcement on this incident to prevent wild opinion in the public.

Edwin is of the view that the armed clashes took place in a public space so that it was possible for witnesses to know about the incident in the early hours of the morning, including from FPI members themselves who claimed to be victims of this case.

"The factor of security and freedom from threats is important for them to provide information," he said.

Polda Metro Jaya officers shot six of Rizieq Shihab's followers because they allegedly attacked the officer who was conducting an investigation.

"The MRS group that attacked the members took firm action and six people died," said the Head of Metro Jaya Police, Inspector General Fadil Imran at Polda Metro Jaya, Monday.

Fadil explained that the incident took place early Monday at around 00.30 WIB on the Jakarta-Cikampek KM 50 Toll Road.

The incident began when officers investigated information about the mobilization of the masses during an examination of Rizieq at the Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters.

"When members of Polda Metro Jaya followed a vehicle suspected of being MRS followers, the officers' vehicle was intercepted and then attacked using firearms and sharp weapons," he added.