Village Chief of Hoho in Banjarnegara Assaulted; Central Java Police Professional Standards Unit Steps In

The Professional Standards Unit (Propam) of the Central Java Regional Police has intervened to investigate allegations of assault against village chief (Kades) Hoho Alkaf of Purwasaba, Banjarnegara.

Propam became involved after Hoho filed a complaint against Police Chief of Mandiraja District Station, AKP Akbarul Hamzah, with the professional standards unit.

Regarding the alleged assault by members of NGOs or civil organisations, the head of the Central Java Police Public Relations Division, Kombes Artanto, stated that Banjarnegara Police are still investigating the timeline of the incident that occurred on Wednesday, 11 March.

“Banjarnegara Police are investigating the case. News circulating on social media may not yet be well verified,” said Artanto on Monday, 16 March, as cited by detikJateng.

According to Artanto, Banjarnegara Police are still gathering statements from several witnesses to establish the facts of what occurred in the field. Propam is also conducting further investigation into the matter following information that went viral on social media.

“Propam is also conducting investigation into the incident. The information on social media is one-sided; the actual facts are still being investigated,” he explained.

Previously, village chief Hoho claimed to be beaten by NGO members after attending a hearing regarding village apparatus recruitment on Wednesday, 11 March. He stated that the assault occurred after the second hearing discussing the controversy surrounding village apparatus selection results. Hoho said NGO members were angry because they failed the screening to become village apparatus.

“Essentially, we had recruitment and screening for village apparatus positions. Three positions for village sub-chiefs. Then an NGO member registered and went through all stages from the beginning to the exam. They failed with poor marks,” said Hoho.

The hearing had been held twice and all parties stated there were no violations. After the proceedings concluded, Hoho said he left the room. However, upon exiting the building, he was suddenly attacked by several people.

“The moment I walked out the door, I was showered with punches from behind and the sides. My hat fell off but I didn’t fall. When I reached the front of my car, people in front directly attacked me and hit me, my glasses broke. Then the police barrier arrived,” he said.

“So the police security was not well prepared. If the police had set up a barrier at the front door, I would definitely be safe and my clothes wouldn’t be torn, my items wouldn’t be knocked off, and my glasses wouldn’t break,” added the outspoken village chief.

He stated that after managing to get into his car, he immediately left the location and went home. Regarding this incident, Hoho claimed to have reported Police Chief of Mandiraja, AKP Akbarul Hamzah, to Propam Polda Jateng.

“I reported allegations of violation of police professional ethics code, because he was biased, favouring the NGO when he should have remained neutral and prevented the clash,” he explained.

“Furthermore, he used inappropriate language for a police officer, especially a district chief. He used arrogant words like telling people to get brushed up on things, to get beaten up,” he added.

Meanwhile, Banjarnegara Police Chief, AKBP Mariska Fendi Susanto, confirmed that the Mandiraja District Chief was reported to Propam Polda Jateng due to the alleged assault case experienced by Kades Hoho. The police force has handed over the case to Propam Polda Jateng for further investigation.

“We also received information that the District Chief was reported to Propam and will hand it over to Propam Polda Jateng for investigation. Essentially, the District Chief acted in the field according to the situation and at the request of the panel,” he said.

He explained that the incident began with a hearing regarding village apparatus recruitment in Purwasaba Village. Police had provided security at that time, led by the Mandiraja District Chief.

“The hearing did not produce satisfactory results, creating tension and heating of the situation. At the request of the panel, everyone was dispersed and removed from the village hall auditorium,” he explained.

He emphasised that police provided security to the village chief from the moment he left the village hall until he reached his home. He stated there were only shouts, but no violence.

“No untoward incidents occurred. I confirmed with the District Chief who provided close escort; when heading to the car, his glasses and nameplate did indeed fall, but they were retrieved. There was no assault; everything remained orderly,” he stated.

Meanwhile, video showing the village chief surrounded by a crowd went viral on social media. Kades Hoho claimed he was assaulted to the point where his glasses broke.