Police did not arrest Pati activist Supriyono

Jakarta Metropolitan Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto stated that officers did not arrest Supriyono alias Botok, coordinator of the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB), who was taking part in an action in front of the DPR/MPR building in Jakarta on Monday.

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

He said the Central Jakarta Police intelligence unit had previously communicated with Mr Supriyono and Mr Teguh regarding the planned activity by residents from Pati in front of the DPR/MPR building.

Budi said that during the communication, the police explained the administrative requirements that needed to be fulfilled according to the type of activity to be carried out.

The Pati group then stated that the planned activity was not a public demonstration, but rather a gathering and collection of logistical aid.

Following that explanation, the police advised the organisers to still obtain an activity permit from the Jakarta Metropolitan Police.

“Mr Supriyono agreed and requested to be accompanied by police personnel to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police using an official vehicle,” he said.

He explained that as they were about to depart for the Jakarta Metropolitan Police headquarters, some of the Pati group at the location mistakenly thought Supriyono was being detained by the police.

“The person concerned explained that his departure to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police was to arrange the activity permit,” he said.

However, as the situation at the location became increasingly crowded, the departure was ultimately cancelled.

Budi stressed that in principle, the presence and assistance of police personnel in the incident was to provide an explanation regarding the administrative process for the activity permit.

“It was not for the purpose of arresting or taking legal action against Mr Supriyono,” he said.