TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - South Sumatra Regional Police Chief Inspector General Eko Indra Heri apologized for the uproar over the Rp2 trillion donation from the family of late businessman Akidi Tio. Eko admitted that the uproar was due to his lack of carefulness.

“The uproar was due to my shortcomings. This happened because of my carelessness. On behalf of myself and as the Regional Police, I apologize to all Indonesian people, particularly the National Police (Polri) Chief,” said Eko on Thursday, August 5.

He also extended his apology to the National Police high-ranking officials, police personnel, South Sumatra people, religious figures, and customary leaders, as well as South Sumatra Forkopimda (the Regional Leadership Communication Forum), South Sumatra Governor, the Regional Military Commander, and the Military Resort Command (Danrem).

Eko claimed he was familiar with Akidi and the latter’s eldest son, Johan, but not Akidi’s youngest daughter, Heryanti.

He recalled that the uproar began when he was contacted by the South Sumatra Health Agency Head, Lesty Nurainy, and the personal doctor of Akidi’s family, Hardi Darmawan. At that time, Eko was informed that Akidi’s extended family planned to provide assistance for the Covid-19 relief in the province.

“I asked their intention and objectives, [and they said the donation] was for the people of South Sumatra in facing Covid-19,” Eko explained.

Akidi Tio’s generous donation caused an uproar as it was later discovered that the money never came into the police’s bank account.

Read: Akidi Tio's Donation; Police to Examine South Sumatra Police Chief

ANDITA RAHMA