TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia Police Watch (IPW) presidium chairman Neta S. Pane has called on the police to deal seriously with Obor Rakyat tabloid, which has been accused of disseminating false information about president-elect Joko Widodo during last presidential campaigning. “The police have to explain if the case has been stopped or still continues,” said Neta on Monday.
He said National Police chief Gen. Sutarman needed to act firmly to ensure legal certainties. The police have named two suspects in the case, viz. Setiyardi Budiono and Darmawan Sepriyossa, and a victim, Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.
Neta also hoped Jokowi was willing to solve the case and ordered the police to completely probe the case after his inauguration. “The police have not been professional in solving the Obor Rakyat case,” said Neta.
Setiyardi and Darmawan have been subjected to Article 18 clause 1 juncto article 9 clause 2 in the Law No.40/1999 about the Press. Both are charged with violating the law as the tabloid was sans the necessary legal basis. Setiyardi and Darmawan, besides facing a potential fine of Rp100 million, are also charged with Articles 310 and 311 of the Criminal Code for defaming president-elect Jokowi.
Previously, National Police spokesman Ronny F. Sompie said investigators required first-hand information from Jokowi as the victim in the case to shed more light on the case. “In relation to Articles 310 and 311 of the Criminal Code, the victim has to testify as witness,” said Ronny last July.
AMOS SIMANUNGKALIT
