"The [South Tegal] Police chief has been dismissed and is currently being questioned by internal affairs," National Police spokesperson Ir. Gen. Argo Yuwono said in a written statement on Saturday as quoted by kompas.com.

Argo said police were also investigating Wasmad for allegedly violating Article 93 of the 2018 Health Quarantine Law and Article 216 of the Criminal Code, which stipulates a maximum punishment of four months and two weeks’ of imprisonment for those found guilty of obstructing the work of law enforcement. 

"Authorities have questioned 10 witnesses as well as Wasmad Edi Susilo," Argo said, adding that officers had also collected evidence.

Read also: Tegal deputy speaker hosts crowded dangdut concert, flouting virus protocols

On Wednesday, Wasmad held a dangdut concert at South Tegal Field to celebrate a marriage and a circumcision in his family.

Thousands of people gathered in front of a stage equipped with a large sound system and big screens, kompas.com reported. Audience members did not maintain their distance, and many were not wearing masks.

Joeharno claimed that, when applying for the permit, the organizer said the event would only have a small stage and a limited number of guests.

He said he soon revoked the permit after learning that the event had attracted a big crowd, but he did not disband the event.

“We couldn’t get close to the site because we did not have enough personnel. Besides, we felt it would be unethical to go on stage to forcibly stop them,” he said after the concert.

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said he had called Tegal Mayor Dedi Yon Supriyono to reprimand him for holding the event and that Dedi had apologized. (nal)