Perpetrators Of The Fajar Pilkada Attack In North Sumatra Arrested, 423 Envelopes Filled With Money Confiscated

ILLUSTRATION BETWEEN

The Integrated Law Enforcement Center (Gakkumdu) Team of Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra, arrested three suspected perpetrators of money politics in Sigulok Village, Sijama Poleng District.

"The three of them have the initials RN (42), HP (25), RH 45) who are suspected of distributing money to influence residents choosing one of the pairs of candidates for the regional election," said Head of Public Relations of the North Sumatra Police Kombes Hadi Wahyudi in Medan as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, November 26.

Hadi said the arrests were made when the Gakkumdu team suspected activities at a resident's house in Sijima Poleng District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency.

After being examined by officers at the house on Sunday (24/11), a bag containing an envelope of money was found, a sticker from the candidate pair, and data from residents who were suspected of receiving the money.

"The Gakkumdu Team found evidence that strengthens efforts to influence voters with money politics," said the Head of Public Relations.

Hadi said the evidence that was secured was 284 envelopes containing Rp350 thousand in cash, 125 envelopes containing Rp200 thousand and 14 envelopes containing Rp500 thousand.

In addition, 111 stickers of candidate pairs were also confiscated, eight citizen data sheets, four cell phones, and the cars used by the perpetrators. All evidence and the perpetrators are now being secured for further legal proceedings.

"As a result of the investigation, RN received instructions from a person named CN to deliver the money. Together with HP and RH, they brought bags containing envelopes. The three then went to the residents' houses to prepare the distribution of money to the villagers," explained Hadi.

The Head of Public Relations emphasized that this action violated Article 187A paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 73 paragraph (4) of the Pilkada Law and Article 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st Criminal Code.

"We will not tolerate the practice of money politics that destroys democracy. The legal process will be carried out firmly and transparently against the three who have been named as suspects," he said.

The police also appealed to the public to reject money politics and report similar violations.

"We ask the public to jointly maintain election integrity so that it can be honest, fair, and clean," he said.

\