Satpol PP Able to Conduct Investigations in Revised Covid-19 Rule

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Jakarta Council's legislative body (Bapemperda) Pantas Nainggolan on Wednesday said the revised Regional Regulation No.2/2020 on Covid-19 mitigation (Perda Covid-19) will broaden the authority of civil servant investigators (PPNS) and Satpol PP (Public Order Agency) to overcome the limited personnel police has in handling pandemic restriction violators. 

“PPNS personnel will be given the same authority as police investigators,” he said at the Jakarta DPRD headquarters on July 21. 

The revision came after the Jakarta Administration suggested it amidst the skyrocketing Covid-19 cases and deaths in the capital city. The initial Regional Regulation is deemed ineffective to create a deterrent effect for health protocol violators. 

The revised regulation oversees two Articles granting investigative authorities for civil servants and Satpol PP and the criminal sanctions for reoffenders. The DPRD is currently discussing the revision. 

Pantas Nainggolan believes Satpol PP can accompany police personnel once it is passed into a law with members from both institutions able to name a health protocol violator a suspect. However, he noted that not all Satpol PP members will be granted the right to conduct investigations. 

Read: Anies Baswedan to Revise Rule Allowing Satpol PP to Hold Investigation

LANI DIANA WIJAYA