Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna H. Laoly made the move just a day after announcing the dismissal of Banceuy Prison head Agus Irianto, following the results of an evaluation on a riot and fires that broke out at the penitentiary recently.

"There are indications of violence by four people, so let it be investigated by the police. They will be withdrawn. We are currently looking at who would be best there," Yasonna said as quoted by tempo.co on Tuesday.

The Bandung Police mentioned four suspects, consisting of three prison guards identified only as L, R and G, and the prison’s head of security, identified as K. They allegedly abused an inmate named Undang Kosim, which triggered a riot in the special prison for drug convicts.

Following the dismissal, Yasonna said he would leave legal procedures entirely up to the police. However, he said his team would look into the case in their own separate investigation.

"We'll hand it over to the police; we don't want to push forward ahead of them. We'll leave it to the experts. Internally, I have already sent an inspector. I won't meddle in police affairs," Yasonna said.

Over the weekend, Bandung Police chief commissioner AR Yoyol said the police had questioned at least 10 witnesses and identified four suspects who may have triggered the riots and fires.

Based on preliminary investigations, the three guards were believed to have been involved in the riot. Meanwhile, the head of security was suspected to have abused Undang, allegedly driving him to commit suicide. (liz/ags)

Popular

Indonesia not affected by Southeast Asia-wide heat wave: BMKG

Residents fear for safety as Mount Ruang volcano erupts

In defense of Indonesian democracy