Family of Bekasi robbery-murder victims seek protection

Lembaga Perlindungan Saksi dan Korban (LPSK) says it is ready to protect the family of the victims in the robbery and murder case in Jatibening, Bekasi City, West Java, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, 2 March. ‘LPSK is ready to provide protection and ensure the fulfilment of rights and provision of assistance to witnesses and victims in accordance with the laws and regulations,’ said LPSK Chairman Achmadi, quoted by Antara on Friday, 6 March. The bereaved family—comprising the eldest son, the youngest son who was at the scene, and the son-in-law—filed a request for protection with LPSK on Thursday, 5 March. Achmadi personally received the applicants, who were accompanied by their legal counsel, a representative from the Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT), and Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of the House of Representatives Commission XIII. Achmadi said initial coordination had been undertaken with law enforcement authorities to ensure the handling process is conducted properly, professionally, and in line with the relevant regulations. Meanwhile, Rieke explained that Ermanto Usman, one of the victims, had previously been active in the port workers’ organisation, the Federation of Indonesian Port Workers under the Confederation of the People’s Workers of Indonesia. Although retired from JICT, the victim remained active in following developments in the sector. Therefore, she hopes the case will be fully disclosed, not only the perpetrators but also those behind the incident. ‘We fully support the police to work swiftly and professionally to uncover this case in full,’ said the human rights committee member. Earlier, police explained the case began with a report from the victim’s child regarding the robbery at the scene. The child, who was usually woken by his mother for sahur, was suddenly not awakened when the alarm sounded at 04:00 local time. When the child went down from his room, he was shocked to find the house still dark and his parents not answering when called. The victims were identified as EU, 65, who was found dead, and his wife P, 60, who was in critical condition. Metro Bekasi City Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head Commissioner Andi Muhammad said the case is still under investigation. In addition, the Mobile Investigation Subdirectorate and the Crime and Violence Subdirectorate of the Directorate of General Criminal Investigation at Metro Jaya Police also joined the investigation. Police continue to investigate.