PSMP Chairman Responds to Rumours Regarding Southeast Sulawesi Chamber of Commerce Head's Status

JAKARTA – Controversy has surrounded circulating reports claiming that the Criminal Investigation Division of the National Police (Bareskrim Polri) has designated Anton Timbang, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) of Southeast Sulawesi, as a suspect in an alleged illegal nickel mining case in Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra), drawing public attention.

However, to date, there has been no official statement from Bareskrim Polri confirming that Anton Timbang has been designated as a suspect.

In response, General Chairman of the Central Leadership of the Red and White Solidarity Youth (PSMP), Anshar Ilo, has urged the public not to immediately trust information that has not been verified as accurate.

According to Anshar, every legal process must be communicated officially by law enforcement authorities in order to avoid speculation that could be detrimental to certain parties.

“We regret the circulation of information whose source is unclear. To date, there has never been an official press conference from Bareskrim Polri stating that Anton Timbang has been designated as a suspect, and we fear this could become a hoax-laden news narrative,” Anshar stated in his statement in Jakarta on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

He assessed that the dissemination of unverified information could cause unrest amongst the public and could potentially damage a person’s reputation before there is legal certainty.

According to Anshar, a regulation that has been effective since 2 January 2026 prohibits suspects from being presented to the public during suspect-designation press conferences.

This measure is based on Article 91, which emphasises respect for human rights and the presumption of innocence, in order to prevent actions that create a presumption of guilt before there is a court ruling.