Danlanal Removes The Commander Of The Halsel Post Related To Persecution Of Journalists

Danlanal Ternate, Colonel Mar Ridwan Azis in a press conference in Ternate, Friday (29/3/2024). ANTARA/Abdul Fatah (Abdul Fatah)

TERNATE - Commander of the Ternate Naval Base (Danlanal), Marine Colonel Ridwan Azis removed the Commander of the South Halmahera Regency Naval Post (Halsel) related to the abuse of an online journalist Sugandi.

"There are two perpetrators and they will undergo a legal process, but they will be seen from the Investigation Report (BAP) first regarding their role in this case," said DanlanalRidwan Azis in Ternate as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, March 29.

He said that the Ternate Lanal, which oversees the Halsel Regency area, felt that the actions of the two TNI-AL members damaged the image of the TNI-AL and the sanctions were removed from his position.

"I ensure that the legal process against Lt. M and Peltu R continues. In addition, Komanda Pos Lanal Halsel was also immediately removed," said Ridwan Azis at a press conference Friday (29/3/29/2024).

For this reason, he went directly to South Halmahera Regency today to meet the victim and his family to apologize directly.

Then, the TNI-AL is responsible for carrying out the treatment process for victims

"He emphasized to all Navy soldiers in Lanal Ternate, especially for postal commanders not to take legal action against those in this area and will be processed according to their actions," he stressed.

"Therefore, in this case, on behalf of the institution, I apologize for this incident and as the original son of the North Maluku region, of course the victim is also my brother," said the Central Halmahera Regency Birth Officer.

As is known, Sugandi, an online media journalist in South Halmahera Regency, North Maluku suffered several injuries to his body and was allegedly abused by members of the Indonesian Navy.

The incident occurred at the Panamboang Port guard post, South Bacan District, Thursday (28/3/2024).

Sugandi was beaten by members of the TNI with the initials Letda M and Peltu R who were not satisfied with the news regarding the alleged detention of fuel belonging to the Ditpolairud Polda Malut carried out by members of the Indonesian Navy.

In his statement, Sugandi told the chronology, around 12 pm, from the Navy to pick me up by car.

"The two members of the Navy took me directly to the Navy post in Panamboang Village. After that, around 14.00 pm at the post, persecution occurred," said Sugandi.

In fact, the persecution they carried out on the grounds that there was news broadcast without any confirmation.

However, in this case, said Sugandi, confirmation was carried out. But according to the members of the Indonesian Navy, the results of the confirmation should not be used as news.

"For that reason, they were dissatisfied and took a step to hit me. At most I was kicked in the head until my ears burst blood and two teeth were broken. Two of my hands were also hit. Then on the back I was also kicked and hit with a tube until he was injured," he said.