The Central Java Police said on Wednesday that they had yet to receive reports on missing persons related to the controversial Fajar Nusantara Movement (Gafatar).

'€œWe hope people immediately file reports with the police if any of their family members go missing. Of course, the report must be accompanied with authentic evidence and facts from the field. Don'€™t season it with fictitious information,'€ said Gagas.

He said that the Yogyakarta Police had asked the Central Java Police to help them investigate cases related to the rising influence of Gafatar, particularly related to missing person reports they had received.

'€œWe have taken measures [to follow up the request] by investigating the whereabouts of followers and bases of the organization. We have cooperated with organizations and institutions in Central Java. We have yet to summons anyone suspected of having ties to Gafatar,'€ said Gagas.

Gafatar was reported to have opened offices in various places in Semarang. Established in Semarang four years ago, Gafatar has reportedly moved from one place to another.

Gafatar'€™s last office was located on Jl.Karanggawang in Tandang subdistrict, Tembalang district, Semarang. But the two-story office has been vacant for two weeks.

Several large banners on the walls of the building confirmed that it was Gafatar'€™s office. Soon after a doctor, Rica Tri Handayani, and her son were reported missing, Gafatar'€™s activities on Jl.Karanggawang ceased and the office was deserted.

Gafatar was reported to have held activities for Karanggawang residents such as gardening workshops and film screenings, and provided free medical services.

The group was also reported to have rented a house on Jl.Lamper Mijen, Lamper Tengah subdistrict, Semarang, about two years ago. Lamper Mijen residents reported that many Gafatar members were young and routinely held activities in the neighborhood. They were not suspicious about the presence of Gafatar followers in their neighborhood because they had socialized with locals. The organization was also generous in providing free courses to children in the area.

Four years ago, the organization rented an upscale home on Jl.Pisang Raya, South Semarang, where Gafatar members also held various social activities for locals. (ebf)

Popular

Japan to export used destroyers to Philippines to deter China

As users surge, Indonesia falls short on AI talent

Authorities partially close Mt. Rinjani after two accidents involving foreign climbers