Similar To Yoory's Case, Deputy Governor Riza Has Not Brought Blessmiyanda's Allegations Of Sexual Harassment To Justice

Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ahmad Riza Patria (Photo: Diah Ayu / VOI)

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI, Ahmad Riza Patria, admits that his party does not want to bring the alleged sexual harassment case committed by the Head of the Jakarta Capital City Goods and Services Procurement Agency (BPPBJ), Blessmiyanda, to the criminal realm.

As for the reason, Deputy Governor Riza thinks this case is not yet time for submission to the police because currently Blessmiyanda is being investigated by the DKI Inspectorate.

"The provincial government ordered the Inspectorate. We will give the Inspectorate a better understanding to carry out its duties. We will leave it to those who have the task or opportunity", said Deputy Governor Riza at the City Hall of DKI, Central Jakarta, Monday, March 29 evening.

Deputy Governor Riza wants to apply the presumption of innocence. The same applies to the case of alleged corruption in the purchase of land for a Rumah DP Rp.0 by the inactive Director of Perumda Pembangunan Sarana Jaya, Yoory Pinontoan.

Therefore, if his subordinates have not been proven to have committed an offense, Riza is reluctant to dictate that the person concerned is guilty.

"We carry out the presumption of innocence. Like Mr. Yoory, we must provide the best possible information. Likewise, for the case of Mr. Bless, we allow presenting his arguments, facts, and data as they are, not excess, not reduced", he said.

Also, Riza asked the DKI Inspectorate to inspect according to the facts and not to exceed the existing authority.

"Likewise the victim, tell what it is. So, we cannot guess, we will submit it. But whoever is guilty, of course, must get sanctions by the rules and regulations", said Riza.

Since 22 March, DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has temporarily suspended Blessmiyanda from his post as Head of the DKI BPPBJ. Anies then appointed the Regional Secretariat Government Assistant, Sigit Wijatmoko, to be Head of the DKI BPPBJ.

The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) then confirmed that Blessmiyanda sexually harassed one of its employees. LPSK received this information confirmed by a source from the DKI Provincial Government. However, LPSK was reluctant to mention who confirmed this.

"I have received information from the DKI Provincial Government, confirming it", said LPSK Deputy Chairman Edwin Partogi when contacted, Thursday, March 25.

After the LPSK 'shouted', Anies finally opened his voice and confirmed that Blessmiyanda had allegedly harassed DKI BPPBJ employees. Through a written statement, Anies said that this case was the basis for his decision to temporarily suspend Bless from his position.

"We are doing the deactivation of the Head of BPPBJ to ensure that the inspection and investigation process can be carried out by the Inspectorate of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government quickly, thoroughly, and fairly for all parties involved", said Anies on Monday, March 29.

Anies stated that he would impose strict sanctions on all levels of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government for covering up cases of alleged sexual harassment, including Blessmiyanda.

"Our attitude at the DKI Provincial Government is clear that we will not tolerate immoral acts that injure the values and integrity of the DKI Provincial Government, and also violate the oath of office to uphold the dignity of civil servants", said Anies.