Three TNI Members Examined Allegedly Extorting Travel Drivers In Gowa

Kapendam Kodam XIV Hasanuddin Colonel (Kav) Budi Wirman (right)/ANTARA/Darwin Fatir.

Three TNI members were questioned by his staff on suspicion of extortion of a travel driver named Aidil Isra worth Rp. 30 million while passing through Gowa Regency on Friday, (7/11) night to Barru Regency, South Sulawesi.

"So it's true, what happened in Gowa recently. There are three people suspected of being TNI AD officers extorting. Now these three people have been investigated by the Pomdam to investigate what really happened," said Kapendam Kodam XIV Hasanuddin Colonel (Kav) Budi Wirman as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, November 12.

The three TNI soldiers, each with the initials Kopda SUY, Pratu FRM and Pratu FTR, served in the Kodam XIV Hasanuddin Transportation Briefing Unit. In this case, a member of the National Police served at the Makassar Polrestabes is suspected of being involved.

The reason was that the victim was accused of carrying illegal workers when crossing Jalan Aros Gowa by the suspects and then asking for puluhan money as well so that the problem did not continue and the car was not confiscated.

Kapendam explained, from the initial information, they saw the travel car traveling by judging that it was exceeding the load so that it was stopped. The mode, just like raids, these suspects checked the documents as well as the condition of the car.

"Then they carried out negotiations there for a peace money agreement. After the figures were agreed, the travel party reported it to the police. But we need to know, apart from TNI personnel, there were also three civilians and one suspected of being involved," he said.

For the alleged violation, the Kodam acted decisively by ensuring that the alleged perpetrator from the TNI was examined intensively to prove whether he was involved in committing the act. If proven, the sanctions are severe.

"We, in this case, are firm. Once again, we will not tolerate any violations committed by members. We also urge all soldiers, do not try again to commit acts that violate the law," he asserted.

"Let's protect the good name of our institution together. We respect our unit. We prioritize the community. We are still exploring why the three TNI AD personnel can be in that area," he reiterated.

Separately, the victim Aidil Isra revealed that the alleged extortion case had been reported. Previously. he was detained on the streets by a group of people claiming to be members and then checking the condition of the car and passengers and then said they violated it. They asked for money under the pretext of peace.

They said At that time, continued Aidil, at the request of the Head of Unit (Kanit). These suspects asked for Rp. 30 million under the pretext that it was not for them but for Kanit's request. Feeling afraid, the money was transferred via mobile banking on their cellphone.

"I immediately paid Rp. 30 million for online transfers. The name was listed there, Siti, a woman. After receiving the money, they gave me a guarantee, if they crossed this road, they were not detained or subject to raids. After that, the STNK and the photo ID card were used as material for the report," he said.

Meanwhile, victim Sya'ban Sartono's legal adviser said that in this case there were several officers and civilians suspected of being involved in blackmailing their clients. The mode is to accuse the victim of carrying illegal labor, and stop it on the side of the road.

After being clarified, the passenger is the passenger and does not carry an identity. In addition, the back door is open. This is the problem and threatens to bring it to the post if it is not resolved in a peaceful way (gives money).

"Our client was afraid, so he contacted his parents and spoke directly with the alleged perpetrator. Our client's statement was that some of them were appointed as Kanit, it is suspected that this was the police.

His request was initially Rp. 50 million, so that this case was safe at that time. However, after borrowing money and so on, our clients only managed to reach Rp. 30 million," he explained.

So far there has been no official statement from the police regarding a case suspected of involving a member of the National Police. However, the TNI has investigated the suspects, in addition to mentioning that members of the National Police and civilians are suspected of being involved.