Governor regrets trafficker release

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso expressed disappointment on Thursday over the release of an alleged drug trafficker recently arrested by residents of Kampung Bali in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta.

"Why did it happen? We should not tolerate drug trafficking any longer," Sutiyoso told reporters at City Hall.

He expressed regret over the police's freeing of the suspect, identified as Rizky, saying police have not been serious in fighting the drug trade.

Deputy Governor for Social Affairs Djailani said separately the police should give an explanation for the release of the suspect.

"There should be an explanation for the release," he said.

But Djailani said he did not expect the release of the suspect would weaken the people's enthusiasm in fighting against drugs.

"We must continue the war against drugs," he said.

Angry residents of Kampung Bali threatened to burn a local police station on Tuesday after the police released Rizky, who they caught and handed over to the police last Saturday.

Tanah Abang Police, which has jurisdiction over Kampung Bali, freed Rizky on Monday evening, saying police had found no evidence to prosecute Rizky.

Rizky was arrested in the Kampung Bali neighborhood by residents last Saturday, upon information from a drug user who said she had bought drugs from Rizky.

Two of the drug users caught during a raid reportedly confessed that they bought shabu-shabu, locally made crystal methamphetamine, from Rizky.

One of the users who made the confession, Nugroho Bayu, is a student of the University of Indonesia.

Sutiyoso earlier declared war against drug trafficking in the city. He expressed concern over reports that drug dealers had extended their trade to selling to students of elementary schools.

Meanwhile, city police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman has encouraged civilians to help the police with their crime-fighting efforts. Civilians were permitted to arrest people they suspected to be drug traffickers and users, he said last week. (jun)