News Of Youth Beatings During President Jokowi's Visit To Samarinda Denied By Paspampres Commander

A number of Paspampres members participated in the deployment of security forces for the 10th World Water Forum 2024 Summit BETWEEN PHOTOs/Nyoman Hendra Wibowo/YU

JAKARTA - The Commander of the Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres) Major General Achiruddin confirmed that his members did not beat a resident during the visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. "What is certain is that there will be no beating by Paspampres," said Achiruddin in a short message to reporters in Jakarta, Antara, Tuesday, September 10. Danpaspampres mentioned that many security personnel from the region at that time were not only from Paspampres. Paspampres, he said, hopes that the public will understand the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that apply in securing the President, and not take aggressive actions and seem to endanger the object of VVIP. "If you want a photo, there is no need to insist or be aggressive. The President is very pleased to take pictures with the public. However, you have to queue because there are many enthusiasts," said Achiruddin. Previously, Deputy for Protocol, Press and Media of the Presidential Secretariat Yusuf Permana also responded to reports of alleged beatings that occurred against a young man during a working visit by President Joko Widodo in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, some time ago. Yusuf said that his party had coordinated with Paspampres and received information that there was no beating by Paspampres personnel. In a video that went viral on social media, a young man appears breaking through the President's guard and approaching the President's vehicle to ask for a selfie with the President. The incident allegedly occurred after the President opened the MTQ XXX National Level in Samarinda. The president seemed to serve the selfie. However, after taking a selfie and leaving the President's security line, the young man was reprimanded by someone not to repeat the methods carried out by breaking through the security ranks. Shortly after that he appeared to be hit in the stomach or chest by someone and looked in pain. Although he had mentioned the beating by Paspampres, he looked unsure who had hit him.

The Palace also stated that it would immediately check the possibility of beatings by regional security personnel.