Police: Investigating Ex Military Generals Feels Awkward

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian said that the police's investigation on two former Armed Forces (TNI) generals has created an uncomfortable situation. However, he asserted that the investigations will proceed accordingly.

The Police are currently investigating former army generals, Kivlan Zen and Soenarko, under charges of treason.

"Handling the cases of the retired generals, from the institution context and personally, has created a sense of discomfort for the Indonesian Police," said Tito at the Monas area in Central Jakarta on Thursday, June 13, 2019.

Despite his statement, Tito said that the police will continue to process the cases in accordance with the prevailing laws and principle of equality before the law.

"We have investigated retired police members in past cases, which must be done to display equality before the law," said General Tito.

One of the evidence presented by the police that incriminates Kivlan Zen was based on a recorded testimony of a suspect named Iwan, who claimed that he was asked to meet Kivlan at the Kelapa Gading Mosque in North Jakarta in March 2019.

Iwan also testified that he was given SGD 15,000, which he immediately traded at a local money changer for IDR 50 million. According to Iwan, the money was given by Kivlan to purchase two handguns and two rifles.

Meanwhile, retired Kopassus general Soenarko was named as suspect for his ownership of an M4 rifle. Soenarko said that he obtained the rifle from Aceh and was initially planned to be used in the May 22 riots that broke out in Central Jakarta.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI | MAJALAH TEMPO