Family to confront police on fatal beating

Evi Mariani, Jakarta

A man being detained at the Kelapa Gading Police station in North Jakarta died in his cell on Tuesday as a result of a severe beating.

The man, Gatot Subroto, 39, was arrested by North Jakarta Police detectives on April 24 on suspicion of buying stolen cars.

Lawyers for his family, Rizal Haliman and Erik Saat, said on Wednesday they would file a complaint with the National Police as soon as the family had gotten over the initial shock and grief of the death.

"Police informed Gatot's family about his death on Tuesday afternoon. They said he had been beaten up by other detainees," said Rizal, adding that he last saw Gatot on April 30.

He said the family had doubts about the police's account of events.

"They want a clear explanation from the police because Gatot was supposed to be in police custody. They must be held responsible for the safety of their detainees."

Gatot was being held at the Kelapa Gading Police station because the North Jakarta Police Headquarters is being renovated and no holding cells were available.

Rizal said Gatot's body was covered with bruises -- a large bruise on his chest, a bluish-colored bruise on his stomach and several bruises covering his back.

An autopsy was performed on Gatot at the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital morgue but the victim's family has reportedly been denied access to the results.

After the autopsy, Gatot was buried in his hometown of Surabaya on Wednesday.

Lawyer Erik said the family would also report the case to the National Commission on Human Rights and the House of Representatives next week.

"The reason for the family filing a report with the National Police was because we thought they might handle the case much faster," he said.

North Jakarta Police deputy chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Boy Rafli declined to comment on the matter when contacted by The Jakarta Post.