West Jakarta Police Search For Evidence Of Members Asking For Money On Demonstrators Release Requirements

West Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Kombes M Syahduddi/ Photo: IST

The West Jakarta Metro Police opened communication with YLBHI to obtain information or supporting evidence related to the issue that was uploaded to the Instagram social media account @YLBHI regarding the mass demonstrations that were secured and extorted by the West Jakarta Police.

Responding to the allegations, the West Jakarta Metro Police asked for the names of the people suspected of being questioned for ransom and the identities of the members who committed this dishonorable act.

"If anyone has evidence related to this, immediately report it to us. I make sure, if it is proven, I will take firm action," said West Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes M Syahduddi when confirmed, Sunday, August 25.

The West Jakarta Metro Police also opened the door for people who have evidence related to illegal levies by police officers.

"We ask the public to be careful in spreading information that has not been proven true," he said.

Kombes Syahduddi stated that his party had carried out an in-depth investigation by lowering the Propam Section to clarify the members involved in securing the demonstration.

"We have followed up on this information by lowering the Propam Section to explore and clarify the members who secured the demonstrators. As a result, until now there have been no allegations of violations according to the narrative circulating viral on social media," he said.

According to Kombes Syahduddi, the entire process of handling the mass action that was secured had been carried out in accordance with applicable procedures. The demonstrators who had been secured were also given food and drinks to them while at the West Jakarta Police.

In addition, the West Jakarta Metro Police also involved external elements such as the Indonesian Ombudsman, to directly monitor the process.

"We involve the Ombudsman so that there is no confusion of information in the community and ensure that the handling carried out is in accordance with existing standards," he said.

Previously, it was reported that the Head of Prevention for Maladministration of the Indonesian Ombudsman, Febrityas, directly checked with the West Jakarta Metro Police regarding the upload of the @YLBHI Instagram account which stated that one mass of action was detained at the West Jakarta Metro Police and asked for a ransom on Friday, August 23.

After conducting direct checks, they ensured that there were no fees for the repatriation of the mass action that was secured at the West Jakarta Metro Police.

"Earlier, none of them were asked (to collect)," Febrityas told reporters, Friday, August 23.