The case of police extortion against Malaysian citizens attending the Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) 2024 has garnered significant public attention on social media. The DWP 2024 concert was held over three days, from 13 to 15 December 2024, at JIExpo, Kemayoran, Jakarta.
Several Malaysian spectators have alleged extortion by Indonesian police, claiming losses amounting to IDR 32 billion. A total of 18 police officers are suspected of involvement in extorting attendees of the DWP 2024 concert. The Head of the National Police’s Professional and Security Division, Inspector General Abdul Karim, confirmed that the officers are now being held in a dedicated facility at the Propam Division of National Police Headquarters in Jakarta.
“At present, we have placed them in a special detention facility within the Propam Division at Headquarters,” Abdul stated during a press briefing at Police Headquarters, as quoted by Kompas.
He further clarified that the evidence seized amounted to Rp2.5 billion, contrary to earlier reports circulating on social media.
“Let us not allow misinformation to persist, as previous reports suggested a significantly larger amount. That figure does not align with the facts established during our investigation,” he explained.
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The police are currently continuing their investigation into the motives behind the officers’ alleged extortion of DWP attendees.
Malaysian Media Highlights DWP Extortion Case
In an article titled “45 Malaysians Allegedly Extorted At Jakarta DWP Concert – Indonesian Police”, published on Wednesday, 25 December 2024, Malaysian news agency Bernama reported that 45 Malaysian citizens were victims of extortion by Indonesian police.
The report also included comments from Indonesian Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, who commended the police for their swift response and extended an apology to Malaysian citizens. “The Ministry of Tourism apologises for the inconvenience and impact caused by this incident,” Bernama quoted Widiyanti as saying.
Post-DWP Case, Metro Jaya Police Implements Structural Changes
In response to the DWP extortion case, Metro Jaya Police Chief Inspector General Karyoto has carried out a large-scale reorganisation within the Metro Jaya Police structure. The changes are believed to be linked to the actions of rogue police officers targeting visitors at the DWP event held at JIExpo Kemayoran from 13 to 15 December 2024.
The reorganisation was detailed in the Metro Jaya Police Chief’s Telegram Letter No. ST/429/XII/KEP.2024, dated 25 December 2024, and signed by the Head of the Human Resources Bureau, Police Commissioner Muh. Dwita Kumu Wardana.