Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Sambudi Gusdian took offense at a meme he perceived as mocking the police posted by Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) Riau Islands chapter chairman Makruf Maulana in a Whatsapp message group, where both were members.

The police have questioned several witnesses in relation to the meme, which contained the text: “If a cooking pan bomb fails to divert the issue [from another case], try a thermal bottle [thermos] bomb.” The meme allegedly was making a joke out of a case in which the police successfully foiled a plan to bomb the state palace from an explosive device partly made from a cooking pan in Bekasi, West Java.

“Pak Makruf, your post is inappropriate. You don’t appreciate the National Police’s effort,” Sambudi replied in the group. Makruf immediately replied, saying that his post was indeed a mistake.

However, for Sambudi, Makruf’s apology was apparently not enough, where the police charged the businessman for violating the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, which carries a maximum sentence of four years’ imprisonment.
Riau Islands Police spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Saptono Erlangga said Thursday the police followed up the case to give “a lesson” to Makruf to be careful when using social media.

“The police has taken offense with the post,” Saptono said.

Makruf said he regretted posting the meme. He said he thought it was funny but he did not have any intention to insult the police’s efforts in eradicating terrorism. (evi)