39 Books Confiscated In Riot Cases Returned By Police

JAKARTA - The East Java Regional Police returned 39 books that had been confiscated from suspects in rioting cases. The National Police stated that the return was a form of upholding legal principles and respecting human rights.

"The National Police ensures that every investigation step is carried out objectively, professionally, and proportionally. After an in-depth evaluation by investigators, it is concluded that the books have nothing to do with the criminal acts being investigated," said Karo Penmas, Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Trunoyudo, Tuesday, September 30.

According to him, the return of this book is an implementation of Article 46 paragraph (1) letter a of the Criminal Procedure Code, which stipulates that confiscated goods that are not related to criminal acts must be returned to their owners.

"This decision is a form of professionalism of investigators in guaranteeing the rights of the parties during the legal process. When the evidence is irrelevant to the case, it must be returned as a form of respect for the rights of the owner," he said.

Furthermore, it was stated that the results of the initial investigation process were carried out solely for the benefit of investigators, in accordance with the provisions of Article 184 of the Criminal Code and Article 39 paragraph (1) letter d of the Criminal Code, to ensure that all items suspected of having links to criminal acts can be thoroughly examined.

"The confiscation is part of the legal process. However, after further analysis, investigators confirmed that the books were irrelevant to criminal acts. Therefore, all of them have been returned to their respective owners or families as of September 29, 2025," he explained.

Trunoyudo also mentioned that this step reflects the Police's commitment to carrying out legal processes in a transparent, accountable manner, and in accordance with statutory regulations.

"We want the public to understand that every investigator's actions have a legal basis. The National Police will not detain or confiscate goods that are not related to criminal acts," he added.

Not to forget, it was also emphasized that the investigation process against elements that were proven to be related to criminal acts would continue, and that the National Police was committed to maintaining public trust through transparent and just law enforcement.

"The National Police continues to work by upholding the principles of legal certainty, respect for human rights, and transparency to the public. This is part of our accountability as law enforcement institutions," concluded Trunoyudo.