Gerindra Surati Kapolri, Protest Regent Agam Becomes Suspect Ahead Of Pilgub

JAKARTA - The West Sumatra Gerindra Party protested the appointment of the Regent of Agam, Indra Catri, as a suspect in hate speech. The determination of the suspect before the West Sumatra Governor Election is considered by Gerindra to interfere with the democratic process.

Chairman of the West Sumatra Gerindra Party DPD Andre Rosiade said his party objected to the determination of the suspect Indra Catri after Indra Catri was appointed as a candidate for deputy governor of West Sumatra. Gerindra brought Indra Catri to accompany Nasrul Abit in the Pilgub of West Sumatra.

"Today, the Gerindra Party DPP has sent a letter to the Chief of Police c / q Kabareskrim. Gerindra Party has expressed an objection to Indra Catri's suspect status, because Gerindra has officially nominated Indra Catri as a candidate, paired with Nasrul Abit," said Andre. quoted by Antara, Wednesday, August 12.

Andre said that the determination of Indra Catri's suspect status gave the impression of a political game. In addition, Gerindra highlighted this case which was related to DPR members from the Democratic faction who would also run as candidates for the Governor of West Sumatra.

"We ask the police institution not to be involved in practical and neutral politics and to maintain this democratic party, which is an ongoing process," he said.

Previously, the West Sumatra Regional Police appointed Agam Regent Indra Catri together with the Regional Secretary of Agam Martias Wanto as suspects in the case of alleged hate speech and unpleasant acts against DPR member Mulyadi through a fake Facebook account named Mar Yanto.

Head of Public Relations of the West Sumatra Regional Police, Kombes Stefanus Satake Bayu, said that the new suspect was named after a case was conducted and a number of evidence was found as well as expert witnesses and the National Police Headquarters cyber forensic laboratory.

"The two of them were named suspects in the case of hate speech and displeasing actions against Mulyadi as a member of the Indonesian Parliament. His files are already P-21 and the investigation and title of the case are carried out at the Police Headquarters," said Bayu.

He explained that the case of hate speech started through a Facebook account in the name of Mar Yanto, which uploaded a status that was considered a speech of hate and defamation that was reported by Irwandi in May 2020.

The police named three suspects, namely the Head of Agam Regency General Affairs with the initials Eri Syofiar, Robi and Rozi. Then the West Sumatra Regional Police named two new suspects, namely Indra Catri and Martias Wanto.