LPSK Finds 7 Alleged Criminal Cases In Human Cage Case At Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin's House, 'Powerful Man' In Langkat

Inactive Langkat Regent, Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin/DOC ANTARA

JAKARTA - The results of the investigation by the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) found that there were seven alleged criminal acts in the human cage case belonging to the inactive Langkat Regent, Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin.

"The seven alleged crimes are trafficking in persons, violence against children, torture/severe ill-treatment, murder, deprivation of liberty, blasphemy of religion, and work accidents," said LPSK Chairman Hasto Atmojo Suroyo as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, March 9.

Hasto said the data and facts were obtained by LPSK during a review from January 27 to March 5, 2021, on Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin and other actors suspected of being involved.

Although the legal process since the discovery of the human cage in Langkat has been more than a month, until now there has been no significant progress, said Hasto.

Hasto said that Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin is an actor who has a mass base from the community organizations (ormas) he oversees. In addition, he also has the power of treasure.

LPSK assesses that human slavery occurs not only because of the modus operandi of exploitation based on material gain, but also because those who know and are in authority do not want to take action due to the influence and power of local strongmen or rich people who exercise social control.

LPSK hopes that the Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law, and Security will form a team consisting of ministries and agencies to ensure that the legal process is followed up professionally and thoroughly.

"Of course, by paying attention to the fulfillment of victims' rights, including ensuring that there are no similar practices in other areas," he said.

In line with that, LPSK Deputy Chair Edwin Partogi Pasaribu said that Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin, who served as regional head, did not have the inherent authority to detain people in a cage.

The results of the investigation and review of LPSK, allegedly Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin was also assisted by family members, unscrupulous members of mass organizations, and several members of the TNI and Polri.

This, he continued, was sufficient to meet the elements of the crime of trafficking in persons (TPPO). Victims who were locked in cages were forced to work in a palm oil plantation factory and provide animal feed belonging to Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin.