Algerian man's 'ritual' soak in Sunter Lake causes commotion
An Algerian national, identified by the initials BZ (30), caused a stir after immersing himself in Sunter Lake, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. Firefighters were deployed to evacuate the man.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening (30/8). In a video received by detikcom, BZ appeared to be calmly soaking in Sunter Lake. Firefighters could be heard communicating with the foreign national during the evacuation process.
“This is not a matter of time, this is not a matter of midnight. This is a matter of rules. This lake is not allowed for swimming,” a firefighter said in English.
The firefighter asked BZ to comply with the rules. During their conversation, the topic of ritual was also raised.
“So, if you respect our rules, you have to come with us. Right now, you have to come with us,” the firefighter said.
“No, we can talk about this, about your religion or your ritual, somewhere else, not on the edge of this lake,” he continued.
Handed over to Immigration
Gatot Sulaeman, Head of Operations at the North Jakarta and Thousand Islands Fire and Rescue Sub-department, said the evacuation was carried out after receiving a public report on Sunday evening (30/8) at 6:00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time regarding a foreign national who was soaking in Sunter Lake.
Residents requested assistance to evacuate the foreign national because his actions were deemed dangerous and could threaten his safety. Gatot said the evacuation of the Algerian man was only possible after lengthy negotiations. The evacuation was completed at 9:41 p.m. Western Indonesia Time.
“We managed to evacuate the foreign national on Sunday night at 9:41 p.m. Western Indonesia Time after lengthy dialogue and negotiation,” Gatot Sulaeman said, as reported by Antara on Monday (31/8).
The evacuation process involved Immigration officers and the Indonesian Military and Police. After being evacuated, the foreign national was handed over to Immigration officers.
“The foreign national was successfully evacuated in a safe condition and has been taken by Immigration,” Gatot said.
Claim of ‘Ritual’
The Algerian national soaked in Sunter Lake claiming he was performing a spiritual ritual. BZ was evacuated from Sunter Lake twice on the same day, Sunday (30/8).
“The Algerian foreign national was carrying out his belief ritual by soaking in the water, which began in the afternoon and was secured by the social services. Then, the foreign national repeated his action in the evening until 9:41 p.m. Western Indonesia Time,” Gatot said.
Immigration reveals BZ’s identity
Immigration revealed that BZ is an investor. BZ is known to hold a Limited Stay Permit Card (KITAS) with the position of investor.
“So when the foreign national’s name was entered into the system and the photo was matched, data appeared showing that the foreign national is a KITAS holder and his position is investor,” said Yuris Setiawan, Head of the Intelligence and Enforcement Section at Tanjung Priok Immigration Office, as reported by Antara.
Yuris said the foreign national did not have a passport or other supporting documents when examined at the Immigration office. Immigration is currently checking on the foreign national.
He also confirmed that BZ is not a person with mental disorders (ODGJ).
“Not ODGJ, this foreign national responds coherently when spoken to,” he said.
Yuris suspects the Algerian man was in a state of frustration, which led him to think of performing the soaking ritual. Yuris revealed that BZ admitted to performing the ritual with the aim of attracting the attention of residents and officers so that he could return to his home country.
“Regarding the actions taken by the foreign national at Sunter Lake, it is suspected that they were deliberately carried out to attract the sympathy of people and officers,” he said.