'I Killed Elu, I Killed', Said Debt Collector Inculated Bekasi Journalists Liput On Debt Collection Cases

The debt collectors intimidated and threatened to kill journalists who were carrying out coverage duties in the traffic light area towards the Bekasi Metro Police Headquarters, Tuesday, December 6, 2022. (Between-Pradita K S)

The debt collection group or debt collectors intimidated a number of journalists who were on duty covering the attempted incident of forced retrieval of a four-wheeled vehicle in Bekasi Regency, West Java (West Java).

"They pushed and snatched my camera, my cellphone fell, they also threatened while carrying a knife (sharp weapon) and shouted 'I killed you, I killed you'," said a journalist, Heru Irawan, who participated in covering the case, Tuesday, December 6.

The act of intimidation that led to the threat of murder took place in the area of traffic light intersection in the direction of the Bekasi Police Headquarters. A number of media crews received harsh treatment from debt collection groups, which are estimated to number dozens of people by driving a total of four units of four-wheeled vehicles.

Heru and six other media colleagues then reported the incident to the Bekasi Metro Police Headquarters which is not far from the scene. The report was registered with the number LP/B/3170/XII/2022/SPKT/Polres Metro Bekasi/Polda Metro Jaya on behalf of Heru Irawan and Eka Jaya Saputra.

Victim Eka Jaya Saputra said the debt collection group was reported on suspicion of a criminal act of intimidation and obstructing coverage of an incident that began when he and other fellow journalists were covering an incident.

"Initially the gang of debt collectors stopped the car, so that it provoked a crowd of local residents. My friends and I happened to be on our way to the Bekasi Police Station, stopping at that location with the intention of covering it up but being blocked," he said.

Eka admitted that the debt collection group tried to seize coverage equipment, even hit him in the neck using a cell phone and threatened the witness with a sharp weapon.

"The perpetrators numbered approximately 20 people, then a few moments later came police officers who dispersed the commotion, while the perpetrators immediately dispersed," he said, quoted by Antara.

"We took several pictures and videos that we have submitted to the authorities as evidence for the incident. We ask the police to immediately take firm action against this debt collector, because it is very disturbing that we are threatened with murder, terrible," continued Eka.

Bekasi Metro Police Chief Commissioner Gidion Arif Setyawan said that there were actually rules of the game related to civil cases of motor vehicle receivables debt.

"In principle, civil, but forcing other people to hand over goods and objects in the hands of third parties is not allowed. I just found out that there is a report, we will take action later. If there is a video of evidence (sharp weapons threats), just report it," he said.