The Case Of The Women Throwing The Cigarette Factory Into Custody, Starting With The Rejection Of The Aroma Of Chemicals

Head of Police Public Relations Division Inspector General Argo Yuwono (DOK. Public Relations Polri)

JAKARTA - The National Police said that the case of throwing stones at UD Mawar Putra's factory by four housewives (IRT) in Central Lombok, NTB started with residents' rejection. They protested that the smell of chemicals that appear during the cigarette production process can endanger health.

"On August 1, 2020, information was obtained about the refusal of the residents of Eat Nyiur Hamlet, Wajageseng Village, regarding the refusal to operate UD Mawar Putra because it was considered the smell of the chemicals used was very strong," said Head of Public Relations of the Indonesian Police, Inspector General Argo Yuwono in his statement, Tuesday, February 23.

"So that it has the potential to cause shortness of breath, coughs and other diseases that endanger the health of residents," he continued.

Argo said that the UD Mawar Putra company negotiated with the residents on this matter. The company is willing to treat people who are sick due to the smell of these chemicals.

"There has been a declaration of peace and the company is willing to take responsibility," said Argo.

But, right on August 10, 2020, company leaders decided to make a report to the Kopang Police for criminal acts of unpleasant acts. The report was carried out because the house of company leader named Suardi was stoned.

"Then, on September 8, 2020, a hearing was held at the DPRD Office of the District of Lofteng. The residents asked that UD Mawar Putra be closed because it caused air pollution and disturbed the health of the residents of Eyat Nyiur Hamlet," said Argo.

Two days later, the DPRD of the Regency of Lofteng together with related parties visited the factory location to ensure that there was a strong smell. But when the review process did not smell the smell.

"September 30, 2020, a meeting was taking place between Commission II of the DPRD of the District of Lofteng, the Head of Kopang Sub-District and the Head of Wajageseng Village to discuss the problems that occurred. Commission II of the DPRD of the District of Atteng asked to immediately carry out mediation again," said Argo.

With the order from Commission II DPRD, mediation was carried out. The community asked the cigarette factory to be moved to a location further away from residential areas. But the community threatened that if this was not fulfilled there would be demonstrations.

"On October 11, 2020, mediation was carried out at the Kopang Police and did not produce an agreement. Furthermore, community leaders on behalf of Dilman visited the Kopang Police and said that the residents of Wajageseng Village were willing to stop the problem if Suardi withdrew his report," continued Argo.

However, in the end, four housewives named Nurul Hidayah (38 years), Martini (22 years), Fatimah (38 years), and Hultiah (40 years) were named as suspects. But they don't serve detention.