PASPAMPRES Member Kills Civilian in Apparent Extortion Attempt

Jakarta, Indonesia - Over the weekend, Indonesia was rocked with news of a member of the Presidential Security Force (PASPAMPRES) beating a civilian to the point of death. The incident happened in Jakarta, but the victim originated from Bireuen, Aceh. The news initially spread through social media, particularly in accounts covering news about the province of Aceh. After the news initially broke out, the Commander of the Presidential Security Force, Major General Rafael Granada Baay, confirmed its validity.

“Regarding the incident of torture [in question], right now the relevant authorities, which is POMDAM JAYA (Jakarta’s Military Police Branch) has conducted an investigation on the suspicion of the involvement of members of the PASPAMPRES in committing the criminal act of torture.” Said Major General Baay to a reporter from Indonesian news outlet Republika.co.id (27/8/23)

This incident happened on the 12th of August 2023, and appears to be a case of attempted extortion. Reportedly, the 25 year old victim, whose name shall remain private out of respect for his family’s privacy, requested his cousin to wire him 50,000,000 Rupiah through phone call, telling his cousin that should the money not be wired, he would be killed.

According to the cousin of the victim, the incident started when members of the PASPAMPRES kidnapped the victim from a store he was guarding, when the call to his cousin took place at 8 pm that night.

One suspect of the torture incident was identified, being Prajurit Kepala Riswandi Manik. Reportedly, including Manik, 3 people in total were arrested by the Jakarta Military Police in connection with the incident.

In a statement, the Head of the Information Centre of the National Armed Forces of Indonesia, Young Lieutenant Julius Widjono, guaranteed a strict punishment for the perpetrators and a firm response from the Commander of the National Armed Forces (TNI)

“Torture from members of the PASPAMPRES which caused the death of the victim. (is unacceptable) The Commander of the TNI will keep following this case so the perpetrator(s) gets a harsh punishment, (with the) maximum being the death penalty, and the minimum being life imprisonment.”

According to the statements that have come out, it seems to be the resolve of the Armed Forces, and the hope of the citizens of Indonesia, that no case such as this ever happens again. Going forward, it is essential that nobody considers themselves as above the law and respect the founding principles of the Republic of Indonesia.

Image source: Menit.co.id