Legal Roundup: Army Aids in Combating Muggings and Corruption in Student Admissions
JAKARTA (ANTARA) - Various legal incidents yesterday (29 May) have drawn attention, from the Army’s readiness to assist in tackling muggings to the KPK uncovering extortion and student placement practices in the Student Admission System (SPMB).
The Indonesian Army has confirmed its readiness to assist police in tackling muggings under military operations other than war (OMSP), citing legal provisions. Brigadier General Donny Pramono, Chief of the Army Public Affairs Office, stated at a press conference in Central Jakarta on Friday that the assistance is provided through a support mechanism to the police in accordance with Law No. 3 of 2025 on National Defence and Law No. 34 of 2004 on the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
“The assistance is carried out in compliance with legal regulations for military operations other than war and upon official request from the police,” he said.
The Indonesian Ombudsman is conducting a rapid assessment into public service accountability and alleged maladministration regarding the train accident in East Bekasi, West Java. Ombudsman member Robert Na Endi Jaweng explained the investigation focuses on preventive measures before the incident, response during the event, and post-incident evaluation, particularly concerning level crossing management.
“The Ombudsman aims to drive systemic solutions to prevent recurrence, especially regarding level crossings where coordination and responsibility-sharing between agencies remain problematic,” Robert stated on Friday in Jakarta.
The Police’s Special Economic Crime Unit (Dittipideksus) has identified two new suspects in an alleged illegal import of phones and other products from China. Brigadier General Ade Safri Simanjuntak, head of Dittipideksus, stated the suspects are TW, director of PT TSI, and MT, director of PT TSL.
“The designation of TW and MT as suspects is based on investigation findings supported by five pieces of evidence, including witness statements, expert testimony, documents, physical evidence, and electronic records,” he said in Jakarta on Friday.
The Ombudsman RI Ethics Panel is awaiting a written response from Hery Susanto before deciding on the fate of the former chairperson. Ethics Panel chair Jimly Asshiddiqie stated the written response is necessary to confirm the corruption allegations against Hery and to allow him to defend himself.
“Last week we sent a letter as he was not permitted to attend the examination, so we requested written testimony and set today as the deadline,” Jimly said at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has found ongoing extortion and student placement practices within the Student Admission System (SPMB) following a risk assessment. Consequently, the KPK issued Circular No. 7 of 2026 on Corruption Prevention and Gratification Control in SPMB on May 25, 2026.
Abdul Aziz Suhendra, head of the KPK’s Prevention Network Task Force, stated the circular aims to ensure SPMB processes are objective, transparent, fair, and free from corruption.