Like Thugs, Head Of Service In West Halmahera Beats Demonstrators Who Ask About Scarcity Of Soil Oil

ILLUSTRATION BETWEEN

JAKARTA - The West Halmahera Resort Police (Polres), North Maluku, arrested the Head of the West Halmahera Regency Industry and Trade Office (Kadisperindag) Demisius O. Boky and one of his staff who allegedly beat a demonstrator, Wednesday (8/1/2024).

West Halmahera Police Chief AKBP Erlichson Pasaribu said after being beaten, the victim immediately made a report to the West Halmahera Police.

"We have examined the victim. We are also conducting witness examinations. Meanwhile, we have secured the Kadis and his staff for legal proceedings," said Erlichson as quoted by ERA.

"Later, if evidence has been achieved and can be determined as a suspect, arrests and detentions will be made," he continued.

The persecution began when a resident named Hardi Jafar demonstrated alone in the courtyard of the Office of Perindangkop and SMEs on Wednesday (8/1/2025).

The victim came to the office to convey questions about the scarcity of kerosene (BBM) in West Halmahera Regency.

When the victim was about to put up a banner, he was blocked by his head of service and staff named Sony.

"There was a push-encouragement. Brother Hardi did not accept the removal of the banner that had been posted. There were harsh words said. Then the Kadis was emotional and carried out acts of persecution," said West Halmahera Police Chief AKBP Erlichson.

He added that the alleged perpetrators would be subject to Article 351 of the Criminal Code and 170 beatings.

"We depend on the examination, whether he (the staff) participated in the persecution or only helped. Today we are still conducting an examination. If it is finished, a case will be held," he said.