28 People Named Suspects in Riots and Looting in Kediri

The Kediri Police have released a case report on the mass demonstration that ended in rioting in Kediri Regency, East Java. ANTARA/HO-Kediri Police

KEDIRI - The Kediri Police, East Java, have named 28 suspects in a mass action that ended in rioting at the Kediri Regency Government, Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), and the Kediri Samsat (Village and Public Order Agency) offices.

Kediri Police Chief, AKBP Bramastyo Priaji, stated that the case began with a demonstration in Kediri City and then spread to Kediri Regency on Saturday evening (August 30th). The crowd immediately went to the Kediri Regency Government office, which is adjacent to the Kediri Regency DPRD.

"We have detained 123 people who played a role in the arson and looting. After conducting a case review, we have named 28 people as suspects in several incidents," he said, as reported by ANTARA on Tuesday, September 2nd.

He explained that of the 28 suspects, 14 are minors, one is a woman, and the remaining four are still on the wanted list (DPO).

The Police Chief explained that all suspects, both adults and children, have been detained. They have been intensively questioned in connection with the case.

The suspects' modus operandi varied, from vandalizing several government offices and police facilities, to vandalizing public facilities, looting property at the Kediri Regency Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), the Regency Government Office, and the Kediri Regency Samsat (Sat) offices, and even injuring officers while on duty.

The Police Chief stated that several pieces of evidence were seized, including three motorcycles, one dismantled motorcycle, laptops, televisions, wall clocks, and various other items.

He said the police have re-examined 26 people suspected of being involved in the crime. They are currently undergoing intensive questioning.

"As of Tuesday, we have apprehended another 26 people strongly suspected of being perpetrators of the crime. Further investigation is ongoing," he said.

The police will take firm action against any anarchistic acts, whether adult or child. They will be detained.

The police also appealed to those involved in looting and theft to return their belongings to the Kediri Police.

"We urge the perpetrators, their parents, siblings, or friends, to hand over their belongings to the Kediri Police before taking firm action to pursue and apprehend them at their respective locations," he said.

The Kediri Regency Government estimates that the losses from the riots that occurred at the Kediri Regency Government office and the local Regency Legislative Council (DPRD) reached around IDR 500 billion, including assets and buildings. The damage to the buildings is still being assessed, involving a team from ITS.

Disclaimer:

This report is for public information purposes, to ensure the public's right to know is maintained. The VOI editorial team rejects violence, vandalism, arson, and looting, as this nation will only be strong if we faithfully protect each other, maintain public facilities, and keep businesses running to prevent further economic decline. Remain calm, do not be provoked, make this country a safe home for us all, and prioritize credible sources of information.