INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – Adjunct Chief Commissioner Bintoro of the Jakarta Police is set to face an ethics tribunal following allegations of extorting money from two suspects linked to the death of a 16-year-old girl, a police spokesman confirmed on Wednesday.
The National Police Commission, which oversees law enforcement conduct, has also recommended that Bintoro be criminally prosecuted for abuse of power. He is accused of receiving billions of rupiah from siblings Arif Nugroho, also known as Bastian, and Muhammad Bayu Hartanto in exchange for dropping their criminal investigation.
Bribery Allegations
The two suspects are facing charges under Indonesia’s stringent child protection law for alleged sexual violence. Investigators claim that the suspects paid the victim for sex and forced her to consume drugs before she was found dead from a drug overdose in a South Jakarta hotel on April 22, 2024.
Police allege that Bintoro received substantial payments from the suspects’ family in an effort to obstruct justice.
Luxury Vehicles Involved
In addition to financial extortion, Bintoro is also accused of embezzling luxury vehicles belonging to the suspects, according to Jakarta Police spokesman Chief Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi.
The suspects’ parents, who own the prominent Prodia clinic network, have filed a civil lawsuit against Bintoro, demanding the return of a Lamborghini Aventador, a Harley Davidson Sportster Iron, and a BMW HP4 motorcycle.
Reports indicate that Bintoro initially offered to sell the vehicles to raise funds to settle the case. However, the suspects’ family allegedly did not receive the full amount from the sale.
“That is the sequence of events according to the accusers, and we are investigating the case thoroughly,” Ade stated.
Police Reassignments and Internal Investigation
Following these allegations, Bintoro and three other officers from the South Jakarta Police have been reassigned to administrative duties pending an internal investigation.
Among the officers under scrutiny is Bintoro’s successor, Adjunct Chief Commissioner Gogo Galesung, along with two detectives identified only by their initials, Z and ND.
Bintoro initially announced the criminal investigation into the victim’s death on April 28, 2024, but the case stalled until he was reassigned to the Jakarta Police headquarters in August. He is also accused of offering Rp 300 million ($18,448) to the victim’s family through a middleman in exchange for dropping the complaint.
The case was only handed over to prosecutors after Gogo took over the investigation. However, Gogo has since been implicated in the bribery scandal as well.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Prosecutors have confirmed that the case is moving forward and will soon go to trial.
“We are currently preparing indictments against the suspects,” said Haryoko Ari Prabowo, head of the South Jakarta Prosecutors’ Office, on Wednesday.
Under Indonesia’s child protection law, those convicted could face the death penalty.
Denial and Defense
Meanwhile, Bintoro has denied all allegations against him. In a video statement recorded over the weekend, he asserted that he had properly handled the investigation and had seized firearms and drugs from the suspects.
He claimed that the accusations surfaced only after the suspects’ family learned that the case against Arif and Bayu would proceed.
“I never took any payment from the suspects,” Bintoro stated. “I challenge investigators to search my home and inspect my wife’s and children’s bank accounts to prove the bribery allegations.”
Bintoro also revealed that his video was recorded while in detention at the Jakarta Police’s Internal Security Division, and that his cellphone had already been confiscated.
As investigations continue, the case has drawn national attention, raising concerns over corruption within law enforcement and the handling of high-profile criminal cases in Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is Adjunct Chief Commissioner Bintoro?
Bintoro is a senior officer of the Jakarta Police who formerly led the South Jakarta Police’s criminal investigation unit. He is currently under investigation for alleged extortion and abuse of power.
2. What are the allegations against Bintoro?
He is accused of extorting money from suspects involved in the death of a 16-year-old girl, embezzling luxury vehicles, and offering bribes to obstruct justice.
3. Who are the suspects in the case?
The suspects, Arif Nugroho (also known as Bastian) and Muhammad Bayu Hartanto, are facing charges under Indonesia’s child protection law for alleged sexual violence and involvement in the victim’s drug overdose.
4. What luxury vehicles are involved in the case?
Bintoro is accused of embezzling a Lamborghini Aventador, a Harley Davidson Sportster Iron, and a BMW HP4 motorcycle belonging to the suspects.
5. What legal actions have been taken against Bintoro?
Bintoro is facing an ethics tribunal and potential criminal prosecution. He has been reassigned to administrative duties pending an investigation.
6. What is the current status of the case?
The case has been handed over to prosecutors, and indictments are being prepared. The suspects face potential death sentences under Indonesia’s child protection law.
7. How has Bintoro responded to the allegations?
He has denied all wrongdoing, claiming that the allegations emerged only after the suspects’ family learned that the case would proceed. He has also offered to have his home and family’s bank accounts investigated to prove his innocence.
8. What impact has this case had on law enforcement?
The case has raised national concerns about corruption within the police force and the handling of high-profile criminal investigations in Indonesia.
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