Arina Zulfa Ul Haq, Semarang – A number of academics, students and interfaith figures have applied for a suspension of the detention of two Semarang activists detained by the Semarang Metropolitan District Police (Polrestabes), Adetya Pramandira alias Dera (26) and Fathul Munif (28).
The application was submitted with the Semarang Police this afternoon. They are asking that the pair, who are said to be getting married on December 11, to be released.
The representatives, who were interfaith figures and academics, also had an audience with senior police officials at the Semarang Police Headquarters (Mapolrestabes) in South Semarang sub-district.
Interfaith Brotherhood (Pelita) coordinator Setyawan said that they represent several interfaith figures, ranging from Pastor Aryanto Nugroho from the Synod of the Indonesian Global Church of God (JAGI) Central Leadership Board (DPP) to the management of the Commission on Relations Between Religion and Beliefs of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference.
"From us there are Kiai H. Ubaidullah Shodaqoh Rais Syuriah, Central Java PWNU [Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Board], Kiai H. Taslim Sahlan, Secretary General of the Indonesian FKUB [Forum for Religious Harmony] Association, Father Adolfus Suratmo Atmomartoyo, acting chairperson of the Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, Semarang Archdiocese", said Setyawan at the Semarang Police Headquarters on Friday December 5.
Setyawan said that there were 200 activists, interfaith leaders, academics and community leaders who signed the letter requesting a suspension of detention and he hopes that the Semarang Police will fulfill their request so that Pramandira and Munif will be released.
"Essentially we hope that the Pak Kapolrestabes [Mr district police chief] will grant the letter of suspension of detention that we have submitted in the hope that Munif and Dera can get married on December 11", he said.
The interfaith leaders, he added, regret the arrest of Pramandira and Munif so they decided to apply for a suspension of detention. Pramandira is also an alumnus of Pondok Damai 2019, an annual Pelita activity, so he said that Pramandira is considered a member of the Pelita family.
"We highlighted several irregularities, Munif and Dera had never previously been summoned as respondents or witnesses [as required by law]. So suddenly they were arrested and only then told they had been named suspects several days before the arrest. We think this is strange. What's actually going on?", he said.
He also questioned the extent of Pramandira and Munif's involvement in the August demonstration which was then used as the pretext for their arrest.
"We don't see the substance of the link to Dera and Munif. What is their involvement. This happened several months ago, why is it only being processed now?", he said.
"They hope is that the police can be more objective and the letter of suspension of detention can be prioritised so that Munif and Dera's right to be able to get married on December 11 can be fulfilled", he continued.
Nihayatul Mukaromah from the Suara Aksi (Voice of Action) legal team who are assisting the pair, said that the letter requesting a suspension of detention has been received by the police and would be reviewed.
"Prase be to Allah, today the Pak Kapolres [Mr regional police chief] accepted our audience, we were received. Our letter of application was also accepted and he said that an analysis would be carried out as to what kind of decision Polrestabes would make", said Mukaromah.
This was confirmed by the head of the Semarang Police Traffic Unit, Andika Dharma Sena. He was also present along with Semarang Police Chief Senior Commissioner Syahduddi during the audience with the parties who applied for the suspension of detention.
"What's clear is that we will convey (the results of the suspension of detention) but for now we will study if first. This letter has only just been received, handed over to the Pak Kapolres, only later will it arrive on my desk. We will discuss it later", said Sena when contacted by Detik Jateng.
"The Pak Kapolrestabes was there personally (in the audience), I accompanied him. (What are the chances of it being granted?) Let's study it first, we'll discuss it, yeah", he continued.
Meanwhile with regard to the criminal process, continued Sena, they are still conducting an investigations. He said that Pramandira and Munif were detained and charged because of their posts on social media.
"This is related to the series of demonstrations on August 29 which ended in chaos. (What form of incitement?) Yes, basically through social media. (Both are [account] administrators?) Yes, we'll do an in-depth investigation, there are several pieces of evidence that we are currently analysing. Only after this we will convey it later", he explained.
Pramandira and Munif were detained in connection with protests and riots on August 29. Munif is being detained at the Semarang Municipal District Police, while Pramandira is being detained at the Central Java Regional Police.
Central Java Regional Police Public Relations Division head Senior Commissioner Artanto stated that there had been no directive regarding the suspension of detention. He said the handling of the case is in the hands of the Semarang police
"There hasn't been any directives yet. The Polrestabes are handling it", said Artanto on Friday. (afn/app)
[Abridged translation by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Sejumlah Tokoh Ajukan Penangguhan Penahanan 2 Aktivis Semarang: Hendak Menikah".]
