We are investigating how much profit he made. I do not know how much."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - "Jokowi Undercover", a controversial book containing defamatory claims about President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), has sold 300 copies at Rp150 thousand per copy, its author told the police.
"It (the book) was sold at Rp150 thousand per copy," spokesman of the Indonesian Police Inspector General Boy Rafli Amar said here Monday, citing the authors statement when questioned by the police investigators.
Bambang Tri Mulyono claimed he had sold 300 copies of the book before the police arrested him.
However, there is no further information on the profit that Mulyono got from the sale of the book, Amar confirmed.
"We are investigating how much profit he made. I do not know how much," Amar added.
The police has also investigated individuals suspected of being involved in the publishing and distribution of "Jokowi Undercover", including those who were suspected of funding the publishing of the book.
"We are still investigating, who have funded the book. Investigators are looking for the involvement of other parties, based on the strong evidence," he revealed.
Earlier, Police Chief General Tito Karnavian called on buyers to hand over the book to the police.
"Those who have copies of the book are encouraged to hand them over to us as evidence," Karnavian urged, on the sidelines of a visit to Bhayangkara Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta Friday.
He called on people to not make copies and circulate it further, to avoid criminal charges of spreading public lies.
Mulyono has sold "Jokowi Undercover" directly and promoted the book using leaflets and his Facebook account.
The book was allegedly written without any supporting references.
Everything written in "Jokowi Undercover" is based on his opinion, while his photometrical analysis was based on his personal perception and assumption, without any expertise, the police stated.
"The suspect has spread hatred through the publication. His motive is based on his intention to make the book more interesting and to draw public attention," the police noted.
Mulyono has been held at the Jakarta Police detention center for further investigation.
He has been charged with Article 45 of Law 19 of 2016 of law on electronic information and transaction for inciting hatred against a certain group and Article 207 of the criminal code for insulting government officials or a public institution in Indonesia.
(Reported by Anita Permata Dewi/Uu.S022/INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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