Journalist Beaten At Factory Closure, Police Check Brimob Persons

SERANG - Banten Police investigated two Brimob members suspected of being involved in incidents of violence against journalists at the location of PT Genesis Regency Smelting (GRS), Jawilan District, Serang Regency, during a visit from the Ministry of Environment.

The Head of Public Relations of the Banten Police, Kombes Pol. Didik Hariyanto, said that the two members who were questioned had the initials TG and TR.

"The investigation is still ongoing, and we will officially convey the results after the process is complete," said Didik, quoted by Antara, Friday, August 22.

He emphasized that the Banten Police are committed to enforcing the law in a professional and transparent manner, including to its members if they are proven to have committed a violation.

"We hope that the public and media colleagues will not be provoked by issues that have not been verified. Trust us in the process," said Didik.

The Banten Police also opened space for parties who felt aggrieved to make official reports so that the handling would run according to legal provisions.

Previously, a team from the Ministry of Environment (KLH) together with a journalist became the victim of a beating when they were about to stop the operation of PT Genesis Regency Smelting (GRS) in Jawilan District, Serang Regency, Banten, which was indicated to have committed pollution.

Serang Police Chief, AKBP Condro Sasongko, in Serang on Thursday said the incident occurred when the KLHK team came to follow up on the violations committed by the company.

"The Ministry of Environment and Forestry will take legal action. On February 25, they have come here to install a police line because this company has committed pollution, but it has not been heeded," he said.

He explained that when the team returned to carry out forced closures, there was a refusal that led to violence.

"There are four public relations people from LH and one media colleague who were allegedly beaten by security officers and several employees," he explained.

According to Condro, the temporary motive for the beating was because the perpetrators prevented the KLHK team from entering the company area. He emphasized that the police had pocketed the names of the alleged perpetrators, including those from community organizations (ormas), and would immediately make arrests.