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Police hunt for source of rumors over Jokowi, Gatot rift
The National Police will hunt down the source of circulating rumors about the dismissal of Indonesia Military (TNI) commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, which have sparked speculation on Gatot’s relationship with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo (center), flanked by Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto (second right), National Intelligence Agency (BIN) head Budi Gunawan (right), Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo (second left) and National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, speaks at a press conference regarding the Nov. 4 rally, at the Presidential Palace on Nov. 5. (Antara Photo/Puspa Perwitasari)
The National Police will hunt down the source of circulating rumors about the dismissal of Indonesia Military (TNI) commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, which have sparked speculation on Gatot’s relationship with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Agus Rianto said on Thursday that the police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) would soon open an investigation to search for individuals responsible for spreading the rumors, following Jokowi’s instruction to do so.
“Our investigators will work on the instructions,” Agus said at Bareskrim headquarters in Central Jakarta.
He stopped short when asked for further details, asking the public to give the police time to work on the matter.
Rumors about Gatot’s dismissal over a different stance with Jokowi on the Nov. 4 anti-Ahok demonstrations have been circulating since early this week. Some unverified websites published quotes claiming to be from Gatot, criticizing Jokowi for treating protesters like terrorists.
Jokowi has dismissed the rumors of Gatot being replaced. Gatot also quickly denied a role in speaking to the questionable online publications, pledging his loyalty to Jokowi and referring to the rumors as part of a proxy war aimed at attacking the country’s unity. (evi)
