Chief of the Bogor Police, Senior Commissioner Bismo Teguh Prakoso, said on Saturday that the police are conducting a crime scene investigation, which will be followed up by a forensics examination and questioning of witnesses.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Bogor Police's Criminal Investigation Unit Adjunct Commissioner Aji Rizaldi Nugroho confirmed that his side has obtained several pieces of evidence in connection with the suspected arson.
"We are now looking for the supporting evidence to build the case. We will question the witnesses, conduct laboratory tests, and obtain CCTV recordings," Nugroho said.
According to an eyewitness, Aditia, the arson was carried out by two unidentified persons who arrived at the media office on a motorcycle.
He said he saw one of them approach the office porch, and try to start a fire.
"The person carried a carton box and a plastic bottle filled with petrol to the office porch and then set the fire there. Meanwhile, the other person waited on the motorcycle," he added.
After they escaped from the scene, Aditia said that he, and a stallkeeper who happened to be there, helped extinguish the fire.
Responding to the incident, Editor-in-Chief of Pakuan Raya Daily David Rizar Nugroho said he expects the police to investigate the incident thoroughly to prevent speculations about its motive.
"We persevere in upholding an independent and free press. We are not deterred by any threat or intimidation to the freedom of the press," he added.
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Translator: Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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