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View all search resultsThree arrested after viral demolition of elderly woman's home
The video of Elina’s forced eviction recently went viral on social media, drawing widespread public outrage. The footage also reignited concerns that members of mass organizations are often hired to intimidate or extort individuals involved in land disputes.
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A man collects his belongings on April 7, 2016, at Menteng Pulo cemetery in South Jakarta after, an eviction in the area. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
T
he East Java Police have arrested three suspects after the viral eviction of Elina Widjajanti, a 79-year-old woman from Surabaya, and the demolition of her home in a land dispute case.
East Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Jules Abraham said the suspects, identified by the initials SAK, MY and SY, were arrested at separate locations over the past few days.
“Based on preliminary investigations, including analysis of video footage circulating on social media, SAK is suspected of mobilizing a group to carry out the eviction, while MY and SY allegedly dragged the victim out and forced her from the house,” Jules said on Wednesday, as quoted by Kompas.id.
He said the suspects have been charged under Article 170 of the Criminal Code for assault, which carries a maximum penalty of five years and six months in prison.
“We will continue to investigate this case, and there is a possibility that the number of suspects may increase,” Jules said.
According to Elina, her sister, Elisa Irawati, purchased the disputed land and houses in 2011, and Elina inherited the property following Elisa’s death in 2017.
Elina said she had been living in the house with several relatives for years until Aug. 6, when SAK arrived at the property accompanied by around 50 members of a local mass organization.
