Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres) spoke up regarding their member who allegedly prevented journalists from covering Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution at the Medan City Hall.
The Paspampres confirmed that the man who was previously reported to have prohibited journalists from being a member of the Paspampres.
Paspampres Commander Maj. Gen. Agus Subianto said that the ban was carried out because people who claimed to be journalists did not show press identification.
“Starting with two people, entering the City Government was not in accordance with procedures and did not use identification,” said Agus via text message to CNNIndonesia.com, Thursday (15/4).
Agus said that his subordinates only carry out their duties according to the rules. Paspampres was assigned to look after Bobby as part of President Joko Widodo’s family.
He explained that before Paspampres intervened, members of the Satpol PP and the police had already warned. However, the two people did not heed the reprimand.
“It is prevented by the police and Satpol PP, the possibility of not receiving a warning,” said Agus.
Since serving as Mayor of Medan earlier this year, Bobby has received an inherent escort from Paspampres. He got this privilege because he was the son-in-law of President Joko Widodo.
A similar escort was also obtained by the Mayor of Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Gibran is the son of President Jokowi.
Previously, journalists in Medan admitted that they were prohibited from covering Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution. They admitted that they were prohibited from interviewing Bobby by members of the Paspampres.
The incident took place when journalists were about to conduct intercept interviews at the Medan City Hall. Then, a man dressed in black safari, suspected by Paspampres, approached them.
The man asked whether the media crew had made an appointment. Then, he prohibited journalists from conducting intermittent interviews at that time.
The man forbade coverage on the grounds that no one should wait for the mayor of Medan at the entrance.
(dhf / ugo)
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