DPR Demands Explanation from Police on Assassination Attempt

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Arsul Sani, a member of Law Commission (Commission III) of the House of Representatives (DPR), stated that Commission III demanded an explanation from the National Police in relation to the suspected assassination attempt of four national figures by several groups during the past May 21 and 22 riots.

"Well, it should be questioned, should be confirmed. I think in time, Commission III will demand a more comprehensive explanation from the Chief of National Police," Arsul said at the House of Representatives office on Tuesday, May 28, 2019.

Arsul asserted that currently, the Police are in the process of investigating the suspected plot. Therefore, Arsul explained that the Police will refuse to make any information related to the investigation public, including to the DPR. "It is a normal thing. But we will make sure to ask [about the information] to Polri," Arsul stated.

The Police had previously uncovered the involvement of a different group, apart from two groups previously arrested by the Police, which are suspected to be instructed to instigate the May 22 riot. The group has six members and was tasked to assassinate four national figures and leaders of private pollsters.

The information was conveyed by Chief of Public Relation Division of the National Police Insp. Gen.Mohammad Iqbal at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs office on Monday, May 27, 2019.

Iqbal said that the discovery of the groups resulted from investigation by the special team formed by National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian. Six members of the groups were arrested sometime between May 21 and May 24. The first suspect, identified as HK, is a resident of Cibinong, Bogor. HK acted as the leader of the group and was responsible for procuring firearms and executor. "[HK] was arrested on May 21 while in possession of a Taurus .38cal revolver," Iqbal said.

FIKRI ARIGI | ANDITA RAHMA