Police: Ratna Sarumpaet May be Charged with Criminal Code

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police stated the activist Ratna Sarumpaet might be charged with the Criminal Code (KUHP) upon her lie of being physically assaulted.

“Instead of the Law on Infomation and Electronic Transaction to charge Bu Ratna, the criminal code will be used,” said National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto in Melawai, South Jakarta, Thursday, October 4.

However, her status remained as a witness for further testimony. Other than Ratna, all related parties would be summoned, including her family. “We will summon all parties related to this case,” Setyo said.

Read: Jokowi Team on Ratna Hoax: Victimization is Old-fashioned Politics 

Jakarta Metro Police and National Police Criminal Unit had received seven legal reports on the alleged hoax or false news spreading about the assault against Ratna Sarumpaet. Several politicians were also reported for spreading the information on social media.

The politicians were Fadli Zon, Dahnil Anzar, Prabowo Subianto, Rachel Maryam, Rizal Ramli, Nanik Deyang, Ferdinand Hutahaean, Arief Poyuono, Natalius Pigai, Fahira Idris, Habiburokhman, Hanum Rais, Said Didu, Eggy Sudjana, Captain Firdaus, and Sandiaga Uno.

Yesterday, October 3, Ratna Sarumpaet revealed her lie about being beaten by several people. "It turns out I had become the best hoax creator; my lie had caused an uproar in this nation," she said in Jakarta.

Ratna Sarumpaet made the lie to reason her children regarding the bruises on her face while in fact, it was due to liposuction procedures for both her cheeks.

ANDITA RAHMA | TAUFIQ SIDDIQ