Morowali Journalist Arrested in Connection with Alleged Arson, Police Emphasize Pure Criminal

JAKARTA - The National Police confirmed that the arrest of a journalist in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, named Royman R Hamid, whose video went viral on social media, was not related to his profession as a journalist, but was purely a law enforcement for alleged criminal acts.

"The National Police confirms that this case has nothing to do with the profession of the journalist concerned. The handling is purely based on the alleged criminal act according to the report and developments from the Morowali Police," said Head of the Public Information Bureau (Karopenmas) Divhumas Polri Brigjen Pol Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Wednesday, January 7.

As a form of commitment to maintaining press freedom, Trunoyudo said the National Police had coordinated with the Chairman of the Commission for Inter-Institutional and Foreign Relations of the Press Council, Totok Suryanto, to emphasize that the case was not related to journalistic activities.

In addition, the National Police has also asked the Morowali Police Chief to convey an official notification letter to the Press Council.

"This step is taken so that there is no misunderstanding in the public space and to emphasize that the National Police respects the freedom of the press and the profession of journalists," he said.

Meanwhile, the Morowali Police stated that the arrest of Royman R Hamid was carried out in the context of law enforcement for alleged criminal acts of arson that occurred in Torete Village, Bungku Pesisir District, Morowali Regency.

"The handling of this case has nothing to do with the profession of the person concerned as a journalist. This is purely law enforcement related to the alleged crime of arson at the RCP office in Torete Village," said Morowali Police Chief AKBP Zulkarnain.

He explained that the arrest was made based on sufficient evidence and in accordance with applicable legal procedures. Investigators, he said, have collected more than two pieces of evidence.

"The evidence includes witness statements, the results of the crime scene, the discovery of the remains of a molotov bomb, and video footage showing the act of throwing fire," he explained.

The Morowali Police Chief also appealed to the public to fully entrust the handling of the case to the police and not be influenced by information that cannot be accounted for.

"We guarantee that the investigation process will be carried out transparently and professionally," he said.