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Three civil servants arrested over extortion in Riau
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Riau Islands Police headquarters. (JP/Fadli)
R
iau Islands Police arrested three civil servants working for the Batam Population and Civil Registry Office for alleged extortion in providing civil registry services.
The special task force that conducted the arrest on Monday found millions of rupiah with the arrestees, believed to be the proceeds of illegal fees levied on the public.
The arrested officials were identified as Civil Registry Department head Jamaris, found with Rp 2.4 million (US$184) in cash, 43 birth certificates and six death certificates; civil registry staff member Irwanto with Rp 700,000 and numerous documents; and the head of the population migration section, found with Rp 2.1 million and ID card documents.
Task force leader Adj. Sr. Comr. Yos Guntur said the crackdown on illegal fees was conducted by order of the National Police. “All documents are supposed to be free of charge,” he said.
The three were taken to Riau Islands Police headquarters for questioning.
Batam administration spokesperson Ardiwinata said Tuesday his office had urged civil servants to provide public services without asking for illegal fees. “This is a shock therapy. The Batam mayor has repeatedly warned against illegal fees,” he said. (evi)
