Headline: Police Identify Dozens of Indonesian Officers Accused of Assaulting Malaysian Fans at DWP Concert; Polri Vows Transparency
In a stunning revelation, Indonesian National Police (Polri) have identified and detained a significant number of their personnel accused of assaulting Malaysian fans during a DWP concert in Manado, North Sulawesi. The alleged incident, which has sparked outrage and international attention, has led Polri to pledge full transparency and thorough investigation into the matter.
The list of accused officers, numbering around 18, has been made public following a joint statement by Tribunnews.com and VIVA.co.id. According to the reports, the officers, who are members of the Mobile Brigade Corps (Mako Brimob), allegedly perpetrated the assaults while on duty to control the crowd at the concert held on November 19, 2022.
The incident, which was recorded on video, showed the officers physically abusing concert attendees, many of whom were Malaysian nationals. The video, which surfaced on social media, caught the attention of authorities, leading to the suspensions and detentions of the officers involved.
Polri’s Public Relations Division has since released a statement, assuring the public that the case is being handled with the utmost seriousness. "We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in this matter," said Polri’s spokesperson. The force has also clarified that the officers involved were not acting on official orders, and that their actions did not align with the standard operating procedures of the police.
Video evidence of the incidents, which has been circulating widely on the internet, is being used as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation. The videos, according to reports by 20Detik and Kompas.com, show officers taking, what appears to be, valuables from the victims, with one instance allegedly totaling around IDR 2.5 million (approximately USD 170).
In response to the incident, the Malaysian government has expressed its concern and urged Indonesia to conduct a fair and thorough investigation. Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, stated that they have received reports of the incident and are in close contact with Indonesian authorities to ensure justice is served.
As the investigation unfolds, Polri has stated that they will take stern and decisive action against any officers found guilty of misconduct. They have also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the rule of law and upholding the honor and integrity of the Indonesian National Police.
