Mahfud MD: Someone Died Because Their Family Was Terrorized Paying Online Loans

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD (Photo: Public Relations of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) said that he had received reports of people committing suicide due to being entangled in illegal online loans or borrowing. He said the victim initially borrowed IDR 1.2 million but because it was not repaid, the debt swelled.

"Some people reported to me that someone died because of it (Pinjol, ed) but their families were terrorized, ordered to pay. Borrowed IDR 1.2 million, went up, went up, and then their family was terrorized by suicide", Mahfud said in a press conference that was broadcast. on the YouTube of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Friday, October 22.

However, so far there has been no massive news regarding this, considering that his family has kept it a secret. "The family in the village said he died of stomach pain. So, please spread the word to stop the terrors", said the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK).

Reflecting on this incident, Mahfud MD then asked the public not to hesitate to report to the police if they received threats from illegal loans. Moreover, the government has asked the victims not to pay their loans.

"Anyone who becomes a victim is still being terrorized, don't be afraid to report it to the police", he said.

He ensured that the police and if necessary, the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) would protect the people who were caught in a trap and were terrorized.

"The victims must be brave enough to report to the police to get protection even if later related to more specific protection, LPSK can do it. Everything is provided as an instrument of the law", said Mahfud.

Related to this, Deputy Chairperson of LPSK, Achmadi, said his party would certainly protect witnesses and victims of illegal lending. In fact, this institution has coordinated with the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Police.

"In addition, LPSK will investigate several victims. We know that illegal borrowing is very disturbing to the community. The loan is fast, easy, but the interest is very high and ensnares", said Achmadi.

"For this reason, LPSK is also ready to protect to witness victim reporting for the benefit of the judicial process from investigation to court. This is important so that the complainant or applicant feels safe and is not afraid, can explain the truth", he concluded.