Jakarta Police Official Facing Ethics Tribunal Over Extortion and Abuse of Power

Jakarta. Adjunct Chief Commissioner Bintoro of the Jakarta Police is under investigation and set to face an ethics tribunal for allegedly accepting bribes from suspects in a high-profile case involving the death of an underage girl. This development comes after a detailed probe by the National Police Commission, which oversees the conduct of law enforcement in Indonesia.

Accusations of Extortion and Abuse of Power

The National Police Commission has recommended that Bintoro be criminally prosecuted for abuse of power. According to investigators, Bintoro is accused of receiving billions of rupiah from brothers Arif Nugroho and Muhammad Bayu Hartanto. These suspects, also known as Bastian and Bayu, respectively, are implicated in the sexual abuse and murder of a 16-year-old girl in a South Jakarta hotel on April 22, 2024.

The Case of the 16-Year-Old Victim

The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed to protect her privacy, allegedly died from a drug overdose after being sexually exploited and forced to consume drugs by the suspects. The strict child protection laws in Indonesia pose significant penalties, with the potential death sentence for those convicted of sexual violence against minors.

Embezzlement and Luxury Vehicles

Charges extend beyond the alleged extortion. Bintoro is also accused of embezzling luxury vehicles owned by the suspects. Chief Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi, a spokesman for the Jakarta Police, disclosed that Bintoro reportedly offered to sell these vehicles to fund a settlement. Among the seized items are a Lamborghini Aventador, a Harley Davidson Sportster Iron, and a BMW HP4 motorcycle.

Earlier this month, the suspects’ parents, owners of the prominent Prodia clinic network, filed a civil lawsuit against Bintoro to reclaim the stolen vehicles. According to the police spokesman, Bintoro initially suggested selling the vehicles to cover potential settlement costs. However, the suspects’ family claims they did not receive the full amount from the sales.

Protracted Investigation and Official Denials

The case gained momentum when Bintoro publicly announced the criminal investigation on April 28, 2024. However, the investigation stalled after Bintoro was reassigned to Jakarta Police headquarters in August 2024. Authorities allege that Bintoro offered the victim’s family Rp 300 million ($18,448) to drop the police complaint through a middleman.

Following Bintoro’s reassignment, his successor, Adjunct Chief Commissioner Gogo Galesung, initially continued the investigation. However, Gogo has since been implicated in the bribery scandal, creating further complications. Haryoko Ari Prabowo, head of the South Jakarta Prosecutors’ Office, confirmed that the murder case is now advancing and will be brought to trial shortly.

Denial of Allegations

In a video statement released over the weekend, Bintoro vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged corruption. He claimed that his investigation was conducted properly, and firearms and drugs were seized from the suspects. Bintoro maintains that the suspects’ family accused him of accepting Rp 6.6 billion ($405,961) in bribes after learning that the criminal proceedings against Arif and Bayu would continue.

Bintoro issued a challenge to investigators, inviting them to search his home and inspect his and his family’s bank accounts to prove the bribery allegations. He also stated that his video was recorded during his detention by the Jakarta Police’s Internal Security Division, adding that his cellphone was seized during the process.

Internal Reassignments and Broader Investigation

Bintoro and three other officers from the South Jakarta Police have been reassigned to administrative duties as the internal investigation continues. The other officers under scrutiny include Bintoro’s successor, Adjunct Chief Commissioner Gogo Galesung, and two unnamed detectives.

Conclusion and Call to Action

This case highlights the critical need for transparency and ethical conduct in law enforcement. The potential penalties for the suspects, including the death sentence, underscore the gravity of the crimes. Bintoro’s denial does not alter the ongoing investigation, which includes the involvement of the ethics tribunal and potential criminal prosecution.

As this story unfolds, it remains essential to follow the developments and legal processes carefully. We invite our readers to share their thoughts and opinions on this case. Your insights can contribute to a more informed and engaged community.

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