"Yes, yesterday, (he) was detained at the POM AU (the Air Force Military Police). Now, an investigation is underway," Air Commodore Fajar Adriyanto, a spokesman of the Indonesian Air Force, confirmed here on Thursday.
BDS was detained in accordance with the procedure followed in the event of a military officer committing a violation, according to Adriyanto.
"That is the procedure. If a member violates it, we will arrest him. We then question how big the mistake is, so he is not immediately punished. That is the procedure since the TNI (Indonesia's Defense Forces) has its own procedure in place if a member violates it," he remarked.
The officer allegedly violated the orders of TNI Commander Marshal TNI Hadi Tjahjanto and Air Force Chief of Staff (Kasau) Air Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, who had instructed soldiers on being prudent in using social media.
The Air Force did not prohibit its soldiers from using social media, though they must comply with the rules, as the TNI has its own rules, he pointed out.
"I appeal to soldiers of the Indonesian Air Force that you may use social media but follow the existing rules. Chief Sergeant BDS uploaded something on social media that a member of the TNI should not have done," he expounded.
Adriyanto believes that the content uploaded by BDS clearly violated the TNI regulations since a soldier should not side with one group and not get involved in practical politics.
"That is the rule. Hence, the indication is not (that he has) violated the social media, no. (However, he has) violated the orders of the commander, leaders. Who our leaders are: the TNI commander and Kasau," he explained.
In the 24-second video, BDS sang with religious tones. He replaced the words with greetings to Habib Rizieq Shihab, who has been highly critical of the government, arriving in Jakarta from Saudi Arabia.
"Marhaban (Welcome), the leader of FPI, Allah .. Allah .. Greeted by TNI soldiers, Allah .. Allah .. Marhaban Ahlan Wa Sahlan, Marhaban Habib Rizieq Shihab. Takbir, Allahuakbar!" BDS lilted.
On Thursday, a photo depicting a man handcuffed and wearing military prison clothing went viral on social media. Though the picture did not mention the man's name, netizens guessed he was BDS.
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Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
