Metro Police Receive Two Reports on Alleged Incitement by Saiful Mujani

Metro Jaya Regional Police have received two reports against political observer Saiful Mujani related to alleged incitement. The two reports are currently in the process of further investigation.

The Head of Public Relations for Metro Jaya Regional Police, Kombes Budi Hermanto, asked the public not to turn this case into a political issue.

“We also invite everyone to be wise and not to treat the reports from two members of the public regarding criminalisation as issues of SARA or politics,” Budi told reporters on Friday (10/4).

“This will also be thoroughly investigated by the investigators, and please feel free to monitor the investigation and prosecution processes for the cases being handled,” he added.

Budi stated that the police have an obligation to accept every report made by the public. Every report, he continued, will be investigated by the police.

Budi also mentioned that not all public reports will lead to criminal proceedings. If no criminal elements are found, the report will be immediately terminated.

“If no criminal elements are found, there is insufficient evidence, no supporting witnesses, and the evidence is not related to criminal matters, termination can also be carried out during the investigation or not proceeded to the prosecution stage,” he explained.

Previously, Saiful Mujani had spoken out regarding the reports. According to him, the reports are a legitimate step, but it would be better if the statements he made were responded to with a reply.

“It is a legitimate step. But since this is in the realm of civil society and in the form of attitudes and opinions, it should just be responded to,” Saiful said when contacted on Thursday (9/4).

Mujani also stated that involving law enforcement authorities, in this case the police, to handle opinions expressed by citizens could actually impact democracy.

“It is not good for democracy if the state [police] gets involved in managing citizens’ opinions and political attitudes, unless I have physically harmed someone else or deprived someone of their freedom and rights,” he said.

“Just refute it, counter criticism with criticism, but it’s fine if you want to show more clearly that this country is becoming increasingly fascist,” he added.