TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
'He could’ve spread the virus': Medan Police investigate cop who allegedly spat at driver
The Medan Police chief apologized to the public over the incident that went viral on social media, especially during the country's fight against COVID-19.
Change Size
An Indonesian police officer wearing a COVID-19 themed helmet raises awareness and disinfects motorists' vehicles in Mojokerto, East Java on April 3. (AFP/JUNI KRISWANTO )
T
he Medan Police in North Sumatra are investigating an incident involving a police officer identified only as RS, a video of whom circulating on social media since last Saturday appears to depict him spitting at a car driver.
Medan Police chief Sr. Comr. Jhonny Eddizon Isir immediately expressed his regret over the incident after watching the video.
“It is such a shame. RS’ act has tarnished our institution amid the police’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. He could’ve spread the virus by spitting at the car driver,” Jhonny said last Saturday.
The recording was made during an activity that seemed to be a street operation, after the driver allegedly refused to pay hush money to the cop.
Read also: National Police detail tightened measures to combat COVID-19, support government policy
The video was recorded by another driver, who was also stopped by RS. The driver who recorded the video claimed that his driving license was detained and later returned by a colleague of RS, identified as WI, who is not a police officer, after the driver handed over Rp 10,000 (US 65 cents).
Jhonny apologized to the public for the dishonorable action conducted by RS. He said he would request a transfer for RS.
“We suggest that he no longer work at the Medan Police,” he said.
North Sumatra Police spokesperson Tatan Dirsan Atmaja said Sunday if proven guilty, RS would be put on disciplinary trial and given sanctions by the Medan Police’s division of internal affairs.
“The North Sumatra Police head, Insp. Gen Martuani Sormin Siregar, would not hesitate to punish police officers whose behavior has unsettled the public,” he added. (aly)
