Moeldoko Condemns Ade Armando's Beating By Intruders On April 11 Demonstration In Front Of The DPR Building

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko condemned the attack on social media activists and University of Indonesia lecturer Ade Armando, which was carried out by an irresponsible group, in front of the DPR building in Senayan, Jakarta.

"I condemn the anarchic actions of the bandits against Brother Ade Armando," Moeldoko said in a written statement quoted by Antara, Monday, April 11.

He emphasized that the beatings carried out by a group of people in the midst of student activities expressing their aspirations were acts of cowardice. He emphasized that the Government openly accepts criticism and input from the public through various channels, including demonstrations.

However, he regretted that the demonstration which previously ran in an orderly manner was instead marred by the anarchic actions of a number of groups of protesters by beating the lecturer at the UI Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP).

Moeldoko asked the security forces not to hesitate to take firm action against the perpetrators who were confirmed not to be students.

"Find (the culprit), find it, and take firm action," said the former TNI commander.

Meanwhile, the police confirmed that the group that attacked Ade Armando was not from the students who were demonstrating. It was also suspected that the beatings were not related to the aspirations expressed by the students.

The beatings were allegedly based on the dislike of certain groups towards issues that Ade Armando had criticized or raised.