Admits Accidentally Hitting Journalists' Hands, Deputy Regent Of Mamberamo Apologizes: I'm Tired, I'm Not Used To Being Affected By AC

Deputy Regent of Central Mamberamo Yonas Kanelak/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - Deputy Regent of Central Mamberamo Yonas Kanelak apologized after hitting a journalist's hand after being questioned by investigators at the KPK.

He admitted that he did it on purpose because he was tired of undergoing the examination since 09.50 WIB. Not only that, Yonas said he could not stand the cold air from the AC KPK building.

"So I'm not used to being exposed to air conditioning. So I was exposed to air conditioning all day, I felt tired and tired," said Yonas, who returned to the KPK's Red and White building, Wednesday, August 3.

"It's brothers and sisters, you have a duty, you understand very well. But I feel tired, tired is what (made, ed) accidentally pushed the camera and I didn't hit it. I'm sorry but I didn't mean it," he continued.

Meanwhile, when asked about his examination which was held from morning until 14:45 WIB, Yonas did not want to answer anything.

"I will not comment on the problem. But I came back, please as much as possible. I did not do it on purpose," he said.

Yonas was summoned by the KPK to be investigated regarding the alleged bribery and gratification that ensnared the Regent of Central Mamberamo Ricky Ham Pagawak.

Besides Yonas, investigators also summoned another witness, namely a civil servant of Central Mamberamo Regency named Slamet. However, Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, has not yet detailed what the two witnesses were investigating.

As previously reported, the KPK continues to investigate allegations of bribery and gratification in Central Mamberamo, Papua. Several witnesses have been called and searches have been carried out.

However, in the middle of the process, Ricky, who had not been announced as a suspect, ran away. He is said to have fled to Papua New Guinea by way of a rat with the help of a number of parties, including an aide and two members of the TNI.

Regarding the assistance provided by the TNI, the KPK said it had sent a letter to the Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) to coordinate to examine the two members. Moreover, based on information circulating, a TNI soldier holds the rank of Dandim.

The KPK confirmed that it would continue to pursue Ricky. They did everything they could, including inviting people who knew Ricky's whereabouts to report to the 198 call center or inform the police.