Police Claim No Arrest of AMPB Activist Supriyono over DPR Protest

Polda Metro Jaya Head of Public Relations Commissioner Budi Hermanto has stressed that police did not arrest Supriyono alias Botok, coordinator of the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB), who staged a demonstration in front of the DPR/MPR building in Jakarta on Monday (24/8).

“Mr Supriyono alias Botok was not arrested or detained by the police,” Commissioner Budi Hermanto said in Jakarta on Monday.

The Central Jakarta Metro Police intelligence unit, he said, communicated with Supriyono and Teguh regarding the planned activity by residents from Pati in front of the DPR/MPR building. Police explained the administrative requirements that needed to be fulfilled in accordance with the activity to be carried out.

The crowd informed police that the planned activity was not a protest to express opinions, but rather a social gathering and fundraising for logistical support. Police advised the organisers to still obtain an activity permit from Polda Metro Jaya.

“Mr Supriyono stated he was willing and requested to be accompanied by police personnel to Polda Metro Jaya using an official vehicle,” Budi said.

As he was about to depart for Polda Metro Jaya, he said, some of the Pati crowd at the location thought Supriyono had been arrested by police.

“The person concerned (Supriyono) explained that his departure to Polda Metro Jaya was to process the activity permit,” Budi said.

He said the police escort in the incident was intended to provide an explanation regarding the administrative process for activity permits.