Police Seize 8 People Suspected Of Teaching Heretical Sects In Bandung

Head of Criminal Investigation Unit for Bandung Police AKBP Adanan Mangopang (ANTARA)

BANDUNG - Police have arrested eight people suspected of opening a religious education center with a cult in Buahbatu, Bandung City, West Java.

Head of Criminal Investigation at the Bandung Police, AKBP Adanan Mangopang, said that the eight people were arrested after residents visited the education location in Cijawura Village.

"We have secured the eight administrators of the foundation, in the sense that we are anticipating that there will be no friction or friction between the residents and the management of the foundation or the congregation of the Baiti Jannati foundation," said Adanan at the Bandung Polrestabes, quoted by Antara, Thursday, June 24.

AKPB Adanan said residents visited the location on Wednesday, June 23, because residents suspected the foundation was teaching an incompatible religion and demanded not to carry out any activities in the neighborhood.

After the report was made, a team from the Buahbatu, Dalmas, and Sabhara police visited the location to anticipate any disputes between the residents and the group.

"Indeed, there are many, but we can suppress the emotions of the residents not to do actions that can harm or violate the law," said AKBP Adanan.

According to Adanan, the eight people served as chairman, vice chairman, and other staff members of the organization. Now, said Adanan, they are being questioned at the Satreskrim.

"If this really fulfills the element of criminal blasphemy against religion, of course we will proceed," said Adanan.

In the law enforcement process, according to Adanan, the Satreskrim cooperates with the West Java MUI and the local regional apparatus.

Adanan said the group's activities have the potential to violate Article 165 A of the Criminal Code on blasphemy. However, according to him, the investigation team is still processing it according to the applicable legal provisions.

"We are professionals and will not discredit a certain group or community, we will process it according to legal provisions," he said.