Agam West Sumatra Military District Commander Apologizes for the Case of TNI Members Intimidating Journalists, Perpetrators Are Processed by Military Law

Commander of Kodim 0304 Agam Lt. Col. Czi Renggo Yudi (left) along with reporters and members of the TNI who had an argument during the coverage. Dandim apologized to reporters (ANTARA/Alfatah)

BUKITTINGGI - Military District Command (Dandim) Commander 0304 Agam, West Sumatra, Lt. Col. Czi Renggo Yudi apologized to reporters in Bukittinggi City regarding the actions of TNI members who allegedly intimidated and cursed journalists while on duty.

As the leader of the TNI in Bukittinggi City, the Dandim promised to continue to process military law against members of the TNI initials VJ who was suspected of intimidating journalists for the disciplinary process.

"I, as the convicted superior, represent the members and the unit of Kodim 0304 Agam, I apologize for the inconvenience caused by the mistake of one of the members", said Renggo Yudi when he met dozens of journalists reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, October 11.

The Dandim deeply regretted the attitude and response of VJ when dealing with a national TV journalist named Wahyu Sikumbang when covering an electric bicycle accident in the canteen field which left one victim doused with cooking oil because he was hit while accompanying his brother selling.

"I am very sorry, it is necessary to evacuate internally, unit development, we emphasize that all members will always communicate well in the field with journalists after this", he said.

The Dandim ensured that the legal process would continue against VJ, even though he had been met with Wahyu and other journalists, even shaking hands and forgiving each other.

"Once again, I'm sorry, I have many members who of course have many characteristics and characters. Maybe when the incident in question there were problems or unstable conditions", said the Dandim.

Dandim said that the TNI member with the initials VJ had been prosecuted for violating the law of impure discipline. If found guilty, they can be given a reprimand or detention followed by administrative sanctions, such as postponement of further education and even demotion.

"I remind all members not to tarnish the good name of the TNI together with the people, we will evaluate it. We are given the authority to give punishment, but if it leads to a crime, it will be followed up in military justice", he said.

Wahyu Sikumbang said the incident he experienced was an accumulation of almost the same incident from VJ to several previous journalists.

"This is actually an accumulation of almost the same incident that was carried out some time ago when fellow journalists were also cursed when they made news about the alleged gambling at the canteen field night market. What is very unfortunate is that when the news went viral that TNI members became victims of mistreatment by members of big motorbikes, we support the legal follow-up is fair to the victim through repeated coverage, but even journalists are also cursed by this person. We should be grateful, this is the opposite", he explained.

The incident was not a communication error and could be a form of arrogance.

"So, I conclude this is not a communication error, it can't be the same mistake over and over again. Obviously, this is a form of arrogance from the same person, but because it has been resolved properly and there has been an apology, I apologize and hopefully, it won't happen again", he concluded.

The meeting between journalists in Bukittinggi City with Dandim Agam ended with a handshake and hug between VJ and Wahyu Sikumbang.