Journalist Allegedly Arrested for Extortion in Tanjung Redeb
The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Tanjung Redeb Police, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, has detained a 47-year-old man, identified by the initials RU, who claims to be a journalist. He is suspected of extorting a wood moulding worker for millions of rupiah in the Sei Bedungun area, Tanjung Redim District, Berau.
The Chief of Tanjung Redeb Police, AKP Amin Maulani, stated on Wednesday (3/6) that the suspect was apprehended without resistance on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, at Jalan Dr. Soetomo. The arrest pertains to alleged criminal extortion as stipulated under Article 482 of the Criminal Code.
The extortion attempt began on Thursday, 28 May 2026, when the suspect visited the victim’s residence and workplace on Jalan Sultan Agung. Taking advantage of the victim’s absence, RU surreptitiously photographed piles of Meranti and Keruing timber, which belonged to customers brought to the site for processing.
Two days later, on Saturday (30/5) night, the suspect began his campaign of terror by sending an online news link and several tabloid photos containing negative narratives regarding the timber at the victim’s business. Exploiting the victim’s fear, the suspect offered a ‘solution’ to prevent the news from escalating, on the condition that the victim purchase 80 copies of his tabloid.
The suspect initially demanded 150,000 IDR per tabloid, totaling 12 million IDR. When the victim stated he could not afford such an amount, the suspect lowered his demand to 3 million IDR for 20 copies of the tabloid.
The Police Chief noted that the suspect had previously visited the victim’s workplace to request small amounts of money for petrol or cigarettes, which the victim had paid to avoid conflict. However, due to the large sum demanded this time, the victim reported the incident to the Tanjung Redeb Police.
Following the report, the Tanjung Redeb Police Criminal Investigation Unit conducted surveillance and successfully arrested the suspect during the transaction. Police seized 3 million IDR in cash, which was the proceeds of the extortion, along with two mobile phones used to send the threatening messages. The suspect and the evidence have been taken to the Tanjung Redeb Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.