Involved In Terrorism, 2 ASN In Banda Aceh Arrested By Densus 88

Illustration of Anti-terror Detachment 88 (ANTARA)

BANDA ACEH - Banda Aceh City Government (Pemkot) respects the legal process against two State Civil Apparatus (ASN) within the local government who were arrested by the Special Detachment (Densus) 88 Anti-terror Police regarding the alleged involvement of terrorism networks.

"We respect the ongoing legal process, then we are waiting for further information and developments," said Spokesperson for the Banda Aceh City Government, Tomi Mukhtar, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, August 6.

Previously, the National Police's Anti-terror Detachment 88 arrested two state civil servants (ASN) for allegedly being involved in a terrorist network from two separate places in Banda Aceh, Tuesday, August 5.

The two ASNs arrested were MZ alias KS (40) and ZA alias SA (47). MZ is the ASN Regional Office of the Aceh Ministry of Religion, while ZA is assigned to the Banda Aceh City Tourism Office.

MZ was arrested at a coffee shop in Banda Aceh City. Meanwhile, ZA was arrested at a used car selling site in the Batoh area, Banda Aceh City.

Tomi confirmed that ZA is an employee of the Banda Aceh City Government who works at the Tourism Office, and so far he has also been active in the office as usual.

His party also admitted that he was surprised that some of his employees were suspected of being involved in a terrorist network.

"It's true, the person concerned (ZA) is an ASN at the Banda Aceh City Government, the Tourism Office. Honestly, we were shocked. We didn't expect ASN to be involved in terrorism," he said.

He emphasized that if later the person concerned is proven to be involved, the government will take a stand and impose strict sanctions.

"ASN Banda Aceh, if proven to be involved, will be given sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," said Tomi Mukhtar.