Police Car Burning In Depok: Two Suspects Arrested, Investigation Continues

Illustration of the perpetrator of the crime was arrested (ANTARA)

DEPOK Police moved quickly to follow up on the incident of vandalism and burning an official car belonging to the Depok Metro Police that occurred in the Harjamukti area, Cimanggis, Friday morning. In the development of the case, the joint apparatus from the Depok Metro Police and Polda Metro Jaya managed to arrest a number of people who were strongly suspected of being involved in the anarchist action.

The arrests were made last Saturday in the Bojong Pondok Terong area, Depok City. The arrest process took place under tight guard from Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel in order to anticipate potential resistance or interference from other parties.

The Depok Metro Police Chief, Kombes Pol Abdul Waras, emphasized that this firm step by the police was a tangible manifestation of the commitment of the apparatus in enforcing the law fairly indiscriminately.

"This is in line with the direct direction of the National Police Chief. The order is very clear, that anyone who violates the law, including any mass organizations, is not immune. Everything is the same in the eyes of the law, the legal process continues," said Kombes Pol Waras in his statement.

From the results of the initial examination, two people from the group who were detained have been named as official suspects in the case of burning the official vehicle. Meanwhile, several others are still undergoing intensive examination by investigators to explore the involvement of each individual.

"Technically and in detail we will convey further. What is clear is that two people have been named as suspects. We are taking this case seriously, and the Polda Metro Jaya also provides full support," explained Waras.

The suspects and a number of alleged perpetrators were immediately taken to Polda Metro Jaya to undergo further legal proceedings, including further identification through video recordings of incidents and eyewitness statements at the scene.

The burning of a police official car that went viral on social media previously drew strong reactions from the public. Videos showing police vehicles were badly damaged and burned in the middle of the road caused anxiety and concerns regarding the escalation of violence in the community.

This incident occurred during the arrest process of the suspect with the initials TS, who was suspected of being involved in cases of abuse and possession of illegal firearms. When the Satreskrim team was about to bring the suspect, the masses resisted and surrounded the officers' vehicles. Three of the four police cars were stuck and one of them was targeted to the point of being burned.

Kombes Waras appreciated the synergy between the Depok Metro Police, Polda Metro Jaya, and the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) in handling the case. He also said that cross-agency cooperation is very crucial to maintain security stability in Depok City.

"Law enforcement must run decisively but remain professional. We ask for the support of all parties so that our territory remains conducive," he said.

Meanwhile, the investigation is still ongoing. The police have opened up the possibility that other perpetrators have not been caught. The police also appealed to the public not to be provoked and fully submit the legal process to the competent authorities.

"Anyone who spreads provocations, ignites violence, or obstructs the officers' duties, will act according to the law. We don't want incidents like this to happen again," concluded Kombes Waras.