In the Constitutional Court hearing, Bawaslu Intan Jaya revealed that he was being held hostage and gave money to KKB

Various events were revealed at the MK legislative election dispute hearing. Bawaslu officers were not only taken hostage, they also gave money to KKB.

HUMAS POLDA PAPUA

Health workers together with security forces evacuated a resident named Aris Kalan at Bilorai Airport, Intan Jaya Regency, Tuesday (8/3/2022). An armed criminal group hacked Aris who was building a house for the Intan Jaya Regional Government assistance program.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - A member of the Electoral Supervisory Body in Intan Jaya District, Central Papua Province, Otniel Tipagau, recounted the hostage-taking incident by an armed criminal group or KKB and was only released after receiving a sum of money. This security reason later caused the voting in five districts in Intan Jaya to be unable to be carried out according to schedule on February 14th, but was postponed until February 23rd.

Otniel also explained that the reasons for the delay in voting in the five districts of Intan Jaya were different. However, what is certain is that the delay is related to security issues. The postponement of the vote has been carried out with the approval of various parties.

In connection with the security issue, Otniel explained the incident where the plane was taken hostage and then continued with him being held hostage for several hours. He explained that at that time mediation was carried out with village figures, PPD (district election committee), and others.

"We gave him IDR 150 million at that time for the KKB," said Otniel.

We gave him IDR 150 million at that time for the KKB.

KOMPAS

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Arrested and given money

The party then engaged in lobbying efforts for the vote to be held on February 14 but still could not succeed. He was even arrested by the KKB.

When they are caught, they can be released. Why was it released, what's the story?

"When he was arrested, he was released. How was he able to be released, what is the story?" asked Arief Hidayat, who chaired the session of the third panel of the election dispute (PHPU) on Monday (6/5/2024).

"We gave money," said Otniel.

"Oh okay. That means Bawaslu has a lot of money. Yes, then what's the story," said Arief.

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"If I explain, Intan Jaya Regency is a terrifyingfield. This is also my first time in my village. And the road is not bad. At that time I was stopped, arrested from seven to three in the afternoon. "I have reported this to the LHP, my provincial leadership, and the Indonesian Bawaslu," said Otniel.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

The atmosphere when the panel of constitutional judges listens to the reading of the applicant's petition in the legislative election results dispute hearing (PHPU) in panel 3 of the Constitutional Court, Jakarta, Thursday (2/5/2024).

Arief asked whether Otniel was ever assaulted during his arrest. However, according to Otniel, there was no assault. The KKB that arrested him only asked for money. "During the plane hijacking, we mistakenly gave money to KKB from a different location, so they demanded it there," he said.

Arief then asked about the amount of money given. "The first time we gave Rp 150 million, then we gave around Rp 25 million," said Otniel. He collected the money from several parties, including prospective legislative candidates.

Similar signatures

In panel 2 led by Vice Chairman of the Constitutional Court Saldi Isra, the chairman of the session grilled the Bangkalan Regency Election Supervisory Agency about the voters' signatures on the attendance list at the polling stations that looked similar.

"This is the list of attendees whose signatures are something like like this and there has been no report to Bawaslu. Here, if you look at it, the signatures are all very similar. Has there been a report to Bawaslu or not? Do you have any objections to this?" asked Saldi.

Saldi continued the question in a satirical tone, "Or do all Bangkalan people's signatures look exactly like this?" Try to explain!"

A member of Bawaslu in Bangkalan also responded that they also have a photo of the attendance list and it is indeed like that. He also revealed that Bawaslu Bangkalan did not receive any reports regarding similar signatures.

Saldi also asked during the voting process whether there were supervisors at the polling station. This was answered by a member of Bawaslu that the supervisors at the polling station must fill out and report through the supervision form, and also attach a photo.

Ah, you're just trying to deflect my question. Is this what someone's signature looks like?

"But that's how everyone's signatures look like there, right?" asked Saldi.

"The data we have is like that," said a member of Bawaslu.

Also read: Bangkalan Regent Allegedly Used Part of Bribery Money for Electability Survey

"Ah, you're just trying to deflect my question. Is this what the person's signature looks like there?" continued Saldi.

Bawaslu members only said, "It cannot be confirmed, Your Majesty."

Saldi also requested that the Bangkalan Bawaslu show the attendance list they have. The judge also asked the Bangkalan Bawaslu to provide evidence at TPS 009 Durin Timur, Konang, and others. The panel of judges will compare the available evidence.