Jakarta –
Hysterical vents of traders color the visit President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the Bogor Market in the context of handing over direct cash assistance (BLT) for cooking oil. The two traders admitted that they were arrested by the police for refusing illegal levies (extortion). The police explained the situation in this case and stated that the handling had been carried out.
At that time, Jokowi, who was accompanied by the Mayor of Bogor, Bima Arya Sugiarto, and Deputy Mayor of Bogor, Dedie A. Rachim, visited several traders inside the Bogor Market while distributing souvenirs to residents at the location. Suddenly, two merchants shouted hysterically, complaining to President Jokowi. This incident went viral.
“Father, there are a lot of extortion here, sir,” said the man to Jokowi.
A moment later Jokowi stopped walking. Jokowi listened to the hysterical men and women.
Gesture asked Jokowi to show calm for both of them. The merchant continued to be hysterical while confiding in President Jokowi. Seskab Pramono Anung, who accompanied Jokowi, took note of the complaint.
“Please, sir, uncle, we refuse extortion, the police arrested him,” said the woman.
“Who is imprisoned?” asked Pramono.
“My uncle,” replied the woman.
“What is the name?” asked Pramono again.
“Ujang Bachelor,” answered the man and woman.
“Where do you want Eid, there are four children. Father, please help us, sir,” continued the woman.
“Yes, it has been (recorded),” said Jokowi, paying attention to Pramono’s notes as the man and woman continued to share their stories.
Further explanation of the police
Police Explanation
The Bogor City Police gave an explanation regarding the complaints of traders to Jokowi about extortion. Head of Bogor City Police, Kombes Susatyo Purnomo Condro, said that his party immediately followed up and questioned two traders who complained to Jokowi.
“Thank you for the information provided and we have investigated the objection submitted to the President. We will follow up with an investigative audit,” said Susatyo confirmed Thursday (21/4) night.
Susatyo said the case that traders complained to Jokowi had been handled since December 2021. The case, said Susatyo, was a case of beating fellow traders.
“For information, this case was handled by the police in December 2021 for beating fellow traders,” he said.
He said that the objection to the handling of the case had also been tested through a pretrial mechanism. However, the case later continued.
“Objections to the handling of this case have also been tested through a pretrial mechanism. We will pay special attention to this case,” said Susatyo.
(fig/fjp)
–
