Indonesia-Malaysia Police Collaboration Lauded in Arrest of Fugitive Djoko

“High appreciation goes to the police’s Criminal Investigation Department as the arrest is done through a ‘P-to-P’ cooperation (police to police),” said Yasonna, referring to coordination between Indonesia’s police and the Royal Malaysia Police.

The arrest was carried out by a special team under the leadership of chief detective of the police’s Criminal Investigation Department Commissioner General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who is also President Joko Widodo’s former adjutant. The joint operation began upon receiving information that Djoko was residing in Malaysia.

“Previously, the public might think that the police were not serious in their effort to find and arrest Djoko Tjandra. Now everyone can see that the allegations are not true,” he said.

Police’s work lauded

The House’s Commission III deputy chairman Adies Kadir, who oversees legal affairs, lauded the members of the national police who had arrested the graft convict.

“The smart and careful work carried out by the national police team should be followed by other law enforcement officials,” said Adies who is also the secretary of the Golkar faction of the House of Representatives.

Adies also hopes that the Attorney General's Office and immigration department can also move quickly to handle the case.

“Do not hesitate, cover up, or even protect any individual who is involved in the case,” said Adies in a statement.

He also expressed his appreciation to National Police chief General Idham Azis and the police special team for their efforts to bring back the fugitive to Indonesia.

Previously, the South Jakarta District Court acquitted Djoko. Then in October 2008, the Attorney General’s Office submitted a judicial review to the Supreme Court, where he was found guilty.

Also read: Jakarta Extends Partial Lockdown Yet Again to Curb Covid-19 Spread

The businessman was then sentenced to two years in prison and had to pay a fine of 15 million rupiahs ($1,037). The state recovered 546 billion rupiahs ($37.7 million) from his account in the then Bank Bali.

However, a day before the Supreme Court would hand down its verdict in June 2009, Djoko allegedly fled Indonesia via a chartered plane from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. Djoko later held citizenship in Papua New Guinea in June 2012. However, the status was illegitimate because he still has legal issues against him in Indonesia.

Source: Kompas.com