Police Investigate The Beating Of A Number Of Journalists In Surabaya During The Ibiza Club Discothequence Liput

Photo via Antara

Surabaya Police investigated the abuse that befell a number of journalists while carrying out coverage duties in the City of Heroes.

Head of Surabaya Polrestabes Kombes Akhmad Yusep Gunawan confirmed that the police had received reports from a number of journalists who were victims of persecution on Friday (20/1).

"We will follow up," said Yusep, Saturday, January 21.

A number of journalists who were victims of abuse were photographers from the National News Agency (LKBN) ANTARA Didik Suhartono, photographer INEWS.com Ali Masduki, reporter INEWS Firman Rachmanudin, reporter Beritajatim.com Anggadia and reporter Lensai Indonesia.com Rofik.

The journalists claimed to have been intimidated while covering the East Java Provincial Government Satpol PP activities which wanted to seal at the Ibiza Club Discotheque Building, Jalan Simpang Dukuh Surabaya, at around 14.00 WIB, Friday afternoon.

"Initially we were waiting for the sealing of the East Java Provincial Government Satpol PP at a shop located in front of the Ibiza Club Discotheque Building. Then a woman got angry and asked us to go up to the 5th floor of the Ibiza Club Discotheque Building to meet someone named Wahyu," said Firman, telling a story.

The journalists rejected the woman's orders.

"Because we are waiting for a 'doorstop' interview with the head of the Satpol PP who is still sealing it," said Firman.

Furthermore, at 14.30 WIB, journalists moved to the front of the Ibiza Club Discotheque Building elevator to prepare for a "doorstop" interview.

That's when there was another intimidation, and was forced to go up to the 5th floor of the Ibiza Club Discotheque Building to meet someone named Wahyu.

"We still refuse. Because we want to interview doorstops with related agencies," said Firman.

An argument ensued. Dozens of people suspected of being from the Ibiza Club Discotheque Building then approached and beat a number of the unfortunate journalists repeatedly.

"At around 15.20 WIB, we decided to resign because more and more people were emotional. However, Angga and Rofik's motorcycles were detained by the masses," said Firman.

After reporting to the Surabaya Police, the journalists carried out a post-mortem at the East Java Regional Police Bhayangkara Hospital, Jalan Ahmad Yani Surabaya.