Police Explain Residents Complaining To Jokowi 'Our Uncle Is In Prison For Fighting Extortion,' Turns Out To Be A Case Of Land Conquest

JAKARTA - The National Police said that the determination of the suspect against Ujang Sarjana was not related to a case of illegal levies. Instead, the case of beatings was triggered by land grabbing issues with the complainant named Ardiansyah.

Ujang Sarjana is a fruit trader. He was in the spotlight after the public's complaint to President Jokowi at Pasar Baru Bogor who rejected illegal levies led to the identification of a suspect.

"The reporting area (Ardiansyah, ed) is considered to be the reported area (Ujang) so that the seizure of selling land on Bata Street Bogor Market is the main reason for the beatings", said the Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Public Relations Division, Commissioner Gatot Repli Handoko, when confirmed, Friday, April 22.

The beating started when Ardiansyah was selling as usual, on November 26. Suddenly, Ujang approached him and immediately got angry.

The reason for his anger was that Ardiansyah was considered to have no respect for him and took his land. However, at that time Ardiansyah did not respond to Ujang and immediately left.

"Suddenly the reporter saw and heard Ujang shouting the word attack and unexpectedly a group of about 7 people started beatings", said Gatot.

"He beat the complainant's body and his friend with his bare hands and trampled on the complainant's right arm", he continued.

As a result of the beating, Ardiansyah suffered bruises on his right wrist.

Then, Ardiansyah reported Ujang to the police. The report was registered with the number LP B/40/XII/2021/JBR/POLRESTA BOGOR KOTA, dated December 2, 2021. On this basis, the police arrested and named Ujang a suspect.

Previously, a video circulated on social media showing two traders shouting at Jokowi and the Cabinet Secretary, Pramono Anung, at Bogor Market.

"Sir, help us, there is a lot of extortion here. Our Uncle was arrested by the police. We fought against thugs, refused to be caught by the police, we are confused, we have been imprisoned for more than three months", said a woman trader.