Indonesia cops nab 18 officers over extortion claims targeting M'sians

Summary

• Indonesia’s National Police's Professional and Security Division arrests 18 officers for allegedly extorting Malaysian attendees at the Djakarta Warehouse Project music festival.

• The suspected officers allegedly subjected Malaysians to arbitrary arrests and forced urine tests.

• Brigadier-General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko promises a transparent investigation.

Indonesia’s National Police's Professional and Security Division (Propam) has detained 18 officers suspected of involvement in an extortion case against Malaysian attendees at the Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) music festival on Dec 13.

According to the Indonesian news agency Antara, the suspected officers come from various units such as Polda Metro Jaya, Polres Metro Central Jakarta and Polsek Metro Kemayoran.

"Propam has secured 18 suspected personnel who were on duty at the time.

“All of them will be investigated to ensure any violations are addressed," Brigadier-General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Head of the Public Information Bureau of the National Police was quoted as saying.

The case came to light after a social media user on X, @Twt_Rave, alleged that over 400 Malaysian attendees were subjected to arbitrary arrests and forced urine tests.

The user claimed that officers demanded large sums of money, even from those who tested negative for drug use.

Authorities vow transparent probe

"It is alleged that police officers extorted Malaysian spectators to the tune of RM9 million (approximately Rp32 billion)," the user claimed.

The Indonesian National Police has vowed to conduct a transparent investigation into these allegations to maintain public trust and ensure accountability within the force.

"The National Police will not tolerate any violations committed by its members.

"We will take firm action against any wrongdoing, regardless of rank or position,” Trunoyudo stressed.

This incident has sparked public outrage, especially among Malaysians.

Press group lists Mkini's deforestation story as one of SEA's best for 2024

Street worker to volunteer, Mami Vin serves Yogya's HIV/AIDS patients

Indonesia, M’sia lead global effort for Palestinian rights – academic