Detained for 28 Days, Erika Accuses Belawan Police to Carry Out Extortion

JAKARTA - A woman from West Jakarta, Rika Sumarni, admitted that she was a victim of alleged criminalization and extortion in handling legal cases at the Belawan Port Police, North Sumatra.

Rika, who is familiarly called Erika, said that she was detained for 28 days after being reported for allegedly embezzling Rp. 288 million by Daniel Rahmat. He denied the accusation and emphasized that he had never received the money in question.

"I'm just marketing. The money was transferred directly by the reporter to the collector through BRI Link, not to me," Erika said in her statement, Monday, April 27.

Erika also admitted that she was picked up from her residence in Kebon Jeruk without an official summons, then taken to Medan and detained. During detention, he claimed to have experienced pressure and inappropriate prison conditions.

"I was locked up in a narrow cell, and I even didn't get water for a week because I insisted on being innocent," he said.

He said that his release occurred after the family fulfilled the request for a certain amount of money. The total funds disbursed amounted to Rp. 300 million, consisting of Rp. 250 million to the reporter and Rp. 50 million allegedly requested by the investigator.

"Rp50 million was asked for cash, not to be transferred. It was handed over by my husband," he said.

Through her lawyer, Erika has reported the alleged extortion to the North Sumatra Police with report number LP/B/615/V/2025/SPKT.

Based on the Propam Inspection Results Development Notification (SP2HP2-1) dated January 27, 2026, the North Sumatra Regional Police's Profession and Security (Propam) is currently investigating a number of parties suspected of being involved.

Erika's lawyer, Erdi Karo-Karo, asked for a special trial to ensure transparency and objectivity in handling the case, and highlighted alleged violations of procedures in the detention process.

Erika hopes the National Police Chief and the North Sumatra Police Chief will give serious attention to her report.

"I'm just looking for justice. Don't let people like this ruin the image of the police," he said.

Until this news was released, there was no official statement from the Belawan Port Police regarding the allegations.