Blitar Police Name Suspects in Riots and the Burning of DPRD Building

BLITAR - The Blitar Police, East Java, have named 12 suspects following an anarchistic demonstration that led to the burning of the Blitar Regency Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) building in the early hours of Sunday (August 31st).

Blitar Police Chief, AKBP Arif Fazlurrahman, stated that police arrested 41 people in the case. Of these, 12 were named suspects, consisting of 11 minors and one adult.

"Nine people were detained, while three others were not detained because they are only 13 years old. The remaining 29 were released due to insufficient evidence," he said, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 2nd.

The investigation revealed that the suspects had different roles. Some were found to have taken inventory items such as chairs, televisions, refrigerators, stoves, and basic necessities. Others were involved in damaging the fence and throwing stones at the building.

Meanwhile, it was discovered that one of the 16-year-old suspects acted as a provocateur, inciting the crowd through the WhatsApp group "INPO DEMO AREA BLITAR," which had 950 members.

In the group, the suspect invited people to gather at the town square, bring arak (a type of liquor), drink it together, and then set fire to the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) building. This message allegedly incited the crowd to commit anarchic acts.

The police, he said, have confirmed that the WhatsApp group has been deleted.

However, the Blitar Police will collaborate with other police departments, including the Blitar City Police, the Kediri City Police, the Kediri Police, and the East Java Regional Police, to further investigate the information circulating in the group and identify other parties involved.

The police also confiscated several pieces of evidence, including seven motorcycles, one television, a refrigerator, waiting chairs, a stove, two thermoses, one carton of coffee and sugar, and a cell phone. Witness testimony also strengthened the investigation into the perpetrators.

The suspects were charged under Article 363 of the Criminal Code concerning theft, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

Furthermore, those who committed provocation and incitement are charged under Articles 170 and 160 of the Criminal Code, which carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

The Blitar Police Chief also emphasized that his office will not tolerate anarchic actions that disrupt public order and security. All perpetrators will be prosecuted according to applicable law.

He also requested that those who took, are still keeping, or have not returned the looted items, immediately return them. This will be a legal consideration taken into account by Blitar Police investigators.

"For anyone who feels they still have looted items, please return them immediately. The police will provide legal advice to those who voluntarily return the items," he said.

The Blitar Police also urged the public to remain calm, not be easily provoked, and to express their concerns in an orderly, peaceful manner, and in accordance with legal provisions.