Indonesia-Malaysia Police Collaboration Lauded in Arrest of Fugitive Djoko

Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna H Laoly said that the lesson learned from the arrest of Bank Bali fugitive Djoko was that people must not disrespect the laws. Yasonna also hoped that with the arrest, efforts to improve public trust in the country’s efforts to uphold the law enforcement will gain momentum.

“The arrest has at least put an end to rumors or questions about the whereabouts of Djoko Tjandra,” Yasonna said in a statement on Friday, July 31.

“This is to emphasize that the state cannot be mocked by anyone who tries to be above the law in this country,” he added.

Also read: Eid al-Adha Celebrations Must Go On Despite Coronavirus Pandemic

His arrest must be followed by a transparent judicial process to uncover the case, he added. The minister expressed his appreciation to the police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) for their efforts to arrest the fugitive.

“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.