Two Days Back And Forth, Munarman Still Can't Be Met

Metro Jaya Police Building (DOC VOI)

JAKARTA - The legal team failed to meet Munarman the suspect in the terrorism case. It has been two days since the team of lawyers made various efforts to meet his client

One of Munarman's lawyers, Ann Noor Qumar, said officers at the drug detention center of Metro Jaya Police still refused to be met on the second day. Even though the lawyer wants to provide food and clothes.

"So on the second day, we were here asking for permission to meet him in the capacity of one, to visit first. Two, we brought clothes and food. Because when he was taken from the house on the arrest even the opportunity to wear sandals was not given," Qumar told reporters on Thursday, April 29.

There were a number of reasons why the lawyers' team was not allowed to meet Munarman. Prison officers at Metro Jaya Police said that the team of lawyers was obliged to obtain a Densus 88 Anti-terror permit.

"On the first day, the reason for having to ask permission from the Densus team at the Police Headquarters. We are waiting for the Densus team there to not give permission," said Qumar.

"On the second day, our team was coordinating with the Special Detachment and continued to be directed and allowed to provide clothes and food but when we arrived at the drug detention center this was not allowed. The reason for the team guarding here no matter how high the instruction, no matter what rank, who is in charge in here is the guards currently on duty," continued Qumar.

When the team of lawyers questioned these reasons, the officer confirmed that Munarman could not be seen because he was just arrested.

"They said that Mr. Munarman was just in the process of arrest, the fact that in a normal case the arrest is 1x24 hours if there is no evidence he must be released. For a terrorist case, there is indeed more time. But, from the fact that he has been detained, he is entrusted to a drug detention center. We're just visiting," he said.

The National Police previously declared Munarman a terrorist suspect. Munarman is suspected of planning acts of terrorism. Munarman was arrested by Densus 88 on Tuesday, April 27 at around 15.30 western Indonesia time at Modern Hills Housing, Cinangka, Pamulang, South Tangerang.

Munarman is suspected of mobilizing other people to commit criminal acts of terrorism, conspiring to commit criminal acts of terrorism, and withholding information about criminal acts of terrorism.

After Munarman was arrested, the Densus 88 Team also conducted a search at the former FPI's banned mass organization office in Petamburan, Central Jakarta.

During the search, the team found the explosive raw materials for TATP or triacetone triperoxide, acetone, and nitrates.

The National Police Headquarters also emphasized the treatment of Munarman when he was taken to Metro Jaya Police. This treatment is in accordance with international standards.

"The international standard for arresting terrorists is like that. Terror crimes are organized crimes with a very wide network,” said Head of Public Relations Division of the National Police, Grand Commissioner Ahmad Ramadhan.

Munarman was charged with Law Number 5 of 2018 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism. Munarman is currently being held at the Metro Jaya Police's drug detention center. Munarman will undergo a series of investigations by Densus 88 Anti-terror.