Malang Mayor Sutiaji Becomes A Spotlight, Because The Entourage Entered The Beach Which Was Closed During PPKM

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MALANG - The Mayor of Malang, East Java, Sutiaji and Malang City Government officials are in the spotlight on social media timelines. Because of this, the traveling group of these officials allegedly forced their way into the Kondangmerak Beach tourist area in Malang Regency.

This incident went viral because the coastal area was still declared closed during the PPKM (Community Activity Restrictions) Level 3.

In the photos and videos circulating, dozens of riders and state-owned cars are seen in the coastal area.

In a photo, Malang City Secretary, Erik Seyo Santoso, coordinates with members of the police. Not only that, but other photos also show this riding group taking selfies in the Kondangmerak Beach area.

Information was gathered, in the group, there was also the Mayor of Malang and several officials held a cycling event from the official house to the Southern Cross Line (JLS) area. However, while in the beach area, the group then pulled over.

Before leaving, this group was intercepted because it was closed. However, it is suspected that this group still forced their way in. It can be seen from a photo that the riding group also took selfies by jumping happily.

Soon this news went viral on social media and was confirmed by the Malang Police Chief AKBP Bagoes Wibisono. He admitted that he was following up on this report.

"Yes, we have received the report, but it is not complete. We are still examining several witnesses, we are still investigating", he said.

Bagoes emphasized that if the group from the Malang City Government is proven to have committed a violation, the police will strictly follow up.

“'If it is proven, we will definitely act. Currently, we are still entering level 3 PPKM and the Regent has no instructions to open it", he said.

Separately, the Head of Public Relations of the Malang City Government, Donny Sandito when contacted, confirmed that the photos and videos circulating were indeed a group from the Malang City Government, including the Mayor of Malang.

However, Donny was surprised by the news regarding the group's refusal to enter the beach. According to him, there is no coercion to enter the beach.

Donny said there was a misunderstanding between the police because of signal interference.

“At that time there was actually no rejection. We also have permission to go there only for a short break. Maybe because of a bad signal, communication was missed. The police chief is also still in town, he cannot be contacted", explained Donny

He asserted that the group was indeed exercising, not traveling. When passing the beach area, said Donny's group decided to rest for a while.

"We did go in for a while to rest and have permission instead of resting on the side of the road. We also don't know if it's closed", he said.