Police Ensure Strict Actions For Kicking Offerings In Semeru

Lumajang Police Chief AKBP Eka Yekti/ANTARA

LUMAJANG - Lumajang Police Chief AKBP Eka Yekti said the perpetrators who committed acts of intolerance by kicking offerings at the Mount Semeru disaster site and those who spread the video would be dealt with firmly.

"Once we have arrested the perpetrators, then those who spread the video will also receive punishment according to their actions," he said in Lumajang, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, January 11.

According to him, the Lumajang Police will take a firm stance regarding the intolerance carried out by a man in the viral video, so that search efforts are still ongoing.

"We are also fully supported by the Dirreskrimum Polda Jatim, we are tracking and tracing to investigate the alleged perpetrator, not only investigations in the field, but we are also assisted by the cyber team to patrol on social media," he said.

Eka expressed his gratitude for the information on someone suspected or identical to the perpetrator with the initials HF and is a resident outside the Lumajang area.

"The act of the perpetrator in the viral video is one of the acts of intolerance that should not be done because whatever their belief and religion, all must respect each other and do not do things that can damage national harmony," he said.

AKBP Eka explained that the perpetrators of intolerance could be charged with Article 156 of the Criminal Code regarding hate speech and insults against a group, namely anyone who publicly expresses feelings of hostility, hatred and contempt for a group of Indonesian citizens with the threat of a sentence of 4 years in prison and a fine.

Meanwhile, related to the spread of viral videos that can be snared by Law no. 19 of 2016 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions (ITE) which states that any person who intentionally and without rights disseminates information intended to create hatred and hostility towards individuals or groups of citizens based on ethnicity, religion, race and certain groups, the threat is imprisonment for a maximum of 6 years and a maximum fine of Rp. 1 billion.

"I appeal to the public to remain calm, not to be provoked and not provoked by the actions of the perpetrators. I hope that the community also remains vigilant and does not want to be instigated to keep the security and social order conducive," he said.