Police Investigate Case of TNI Member Buying Meth in East Jakarta's Berlan

East Jakarta Metro Police are still investigating an alleged drug transaction that occurred in the Berlan area, Matraman, East Jakarta. The investigation follows the circulation of a video showing suspected narcotics activity involving a TNI member. “We are working on it, still delving into (the suspected perpetrator),” said Deputy Head of Narcotics Investigation Unit of East Jakarta Metro Police, AKP Suminto, when confirmed in Jakarta on Friday (27/3). The video was first uploaded by the Instagram account lbj_jakarta and quickly drew public attention. In the recording, there is evident suspected drug transaction practice taking place openly in a residential neighbourhood. Suminto stated that they are currently continuing the investigation to uncover the parties involved in the case. Based on preliminary tracing, the suspected perpetrator is not a resident living around the scene of the incident (TKP). This has become one of the focuses of the investigation to identify a potentially broader network. “The perpetrator does not live at the scene of the incident (TKP), for now it is still being investigated,” said Suminto. Police urge the public to actively report any suspicious activities related to drug circulation in their surroundings. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Army (AD) has spoken out regarding the amateur video recording a member buying methamphetamine in the Berlan area, Matraman, East Jakarta. The transaction reportedly occurred during the Lebaran moment. Kadispenad Brigadier General TNI Donny Pramono confirmed the incident of methamphetamine purchase by an Indonesian Army TNI member in the video. He stated that from the investigation results, the figure of the member buying methamphetamine is Koptu YP from the Puspalad unit. Donny added that from the urine test results, the perpetrator also tested positive for consuming narcotics. “Koptu YP admitted to making the purchase and using drugs, reinforced by the individual’s urine test results which were positive,” he said in a written statement on Thursday (26/3). He added that the perpetrator is now detained for further examination by the Puspalad Provost. Donny assured that Koptu YP will be processed legally according to the applicable mechanisms. “The actions taken by Koptu YP are the deeds of an individual that in no way reflect the attitude or military values that should be upheld,” he stated. Nevertheless, Donny emphasised that the video clip recording the TNI official vehicle is not related to Koptu YP’s actions. He said the vehicle is a Kostrad service vehicle used by Private Laode. “From the preliminary examination of the driver, he stated that his presence there was to visit a friend’s house, and he claimed no involvement with the TNI soldier’s activities at the beginning of the video,” he explained. “However, further examination is still being conducted internally, and if in the future any indications of violations are found, they will be processed according to applicable legal provisions,” Donny added. Donny stated that the Indonesian Army is firmly committed to eradicating drug abuse. He said all forms of violations by soldiers, especially those related to narcotics, will be immediately addressed according to the applicable rules.