PIKIRAN RAKYAT - Ten members of the Klungkung Police, Bali, are suspected of kidnapping, detaining, and torturing a resident, IWS (47), from May 26 to 28, 2024. The incident occurred when the ten policemen were dismantling a case of alleged theft or embezzlement of fraudulent vehicles.

Based on information from the website of Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI-LBH) Bali, the incident began on May 26, 2024, when ten police officers came to IWS’s house to find his whereabouts. But at that time IWS was not at home.

“The victim’s wife had asked about the purpose of the police’s arrival, but they asked the victim’s wife not to ask too many questions and urged the victim to go home immediately,” said a statement on the website, quoted on Monday, 8 July 2024.

On the same day, at 8.00 p.m. WITA, the victim who had arrived home was arrested by the police and taken to another place, which was not a police station.

“The victim’s cell phone and five cars from the victim’s business that were in the process of being sold were also forcibly confiscated. These actions were carried out by members of the Klunglung Police without showing arrest warrants, detention, searches, confiscation, and assignment warrants,” it said.

Then, IWS was detained until May 28, 2024. At the detention center, IWS was interrogated and accused of fleeing with a Pajero car. IWS was forced to admit what he did not do.

At that time, IWS was also tortured. Starting from being beaten with bare hands, a 1-liter mineral water bottle filled with water, to a beer bottle.

“The punches were repeatedly aimed at the victim’s face, head, and both ears. During the torture process, the victim’s hands continued to be handcuffed, his clothes stripped, and the victim’s eyes were covered with layers of white plaster so that the victim could not see,” it said.

Not only that, IWS also received threats of being shot. On May 29, 2024, IWS reported what he experienced to the Bali Police.

"The result of the act of torture caused physical and psychological injuries, including permanent injuries to one of the victim’s eardrums."

Illustration police line.

Quoted from the Karangasem Police Website, the Head of Public Relations of the Bali Police, Jansen Avitus Panjaitan, said that his party had received IWS’s report through LP/B/403/V/2024/SPKT/Polda Bali dated May 29, 2024, regarding the alleged occurrence of criminal acts of persecution as referred to in article 352 of the Criminal Code.

Until now, the Bali Police have also followed up on the report by collecting evidence and asking for information from IWS, witnesses, and doctors who handle IWS. In addition, the Bali Police have also visited the crime scene.

"This problem is still in process and if it is proven that there is unprofessionalism of members in the series of disclosure processes of the alleged theft network, the process will definitely be carried out in accordance with the applicable legal provisions, and we would like to thank all the community who helped the process," he said.

Description: The incident highlights the urgent need for police reform and accountability in Indonesia. The alleged actions of the Klungkung Police officers not only undermine public trust but also violate basic human rights. Ensuring justice for IWS and preventing future abuses are critical steps toward restoring faith in law enforcement institutions.*** (Politeknik Negeri Bandung/Sintia Yuliana)