Youth in Pekalongan Reports Torture and Police Involvement

A youth from Pacar Village, Tirto District, Pekalongan Regency, identified as M Ikhdar, 23, has reported an alleged case of severe assault to the Pekalongan Police. The victim claims he was tortured and forced to admit ownership of methamphetamine by several individuals, including a police officer. Based on observations on Thursday (23/7), Ikhdar suffered serious burns to his neck and hands, along with bruises across his body. The incident allegedly occurred at the home of a resident identified as S in Pekuncen Village, Wiradesa District, Pekalongan Regency. Ikhdar recounted that the tragic event began on Saturday (18/7) and continued into Sunday (19/7). He was initially picked up by G, the child of S, and taken to the house. Upon arrival, several people were already present, including a police officer. ‘I was tortured, even electrocuted and doused with petrol. I was forced to admit ownership of the methamphetamine that was brought by S,’ Ikhdar stated. He added that although he attempted to escape and hide in a plantation, the perpetrators found him and continued the torture. Ikhdar also highlighted the involvement of two police officers at the scene. According to him, one officer was present from the start, while another arrived later. ‘Both officers knew about the torture but remained silent,’ he added. The victim’s lawyer, Didik Pramono, stated that a report regarding the alleged assault and battery has been filed with the Pekalongan Police. Additionally, the involvement of the two officers has been reported to the Internal Affairs Division (Paminal) of the Pekalongan City Police and will be escalated to the Pekalongan Regency Police. ‘We hope law enforcement will investigate this case transparently, including the alleged inaction by the police officers,’ Didik stressed. Responding to the report, Pekalongan City Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Riki Yariadi confirmed receiving the complaint. The Criminal Investigation Unit has been deployed to process the crime scene at a house on the banks of the Sengkarang River. In addition to the criminal investigation, Riki has ordered the Professional and Internal Security Division to examine the officers who were at the location. ‘The examination is being conducted to investigate alleged disciplinary and ethical violations regarding the presence of the officers at the scene,’ he concluded.