Abdullah, a member of the House of Representatives' Commission III, stated that the decision likely stemmed from compelling evidence, as the police would not act recklessly in terminating one of their own.
"A lot of evidence supports the dismissal. That is the right step," he noted in a statement from his office on Thursday.
Simanjuntak was dishonorably dismissed in connection with the alleged extortion of Malaysian citizens by police officers during the Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) dance music festival held in mid-December 2024.
During the festival, he ordered sudden drug tests on the Malaysian spectators.
"Drug tests are actually a good thing, but they become problematic when misused," Abdullah emphasized.
He also supported the continuation of the ethics hearing for other involved police officers after Simanjuntak received the sanction.
"There should be no suspicion in the community. The ethics hearing must be transparent. Our society is becoming increasingly intelligent and critical," Abdullah reminded.
He stated that after the ethics hearing, the perpetrators must also face criminal penalties based on the extortion punishment outlined in Articles 368 and 36 of the Criminal Code.
"This is important, as the money obtained from the extortion was substantial, reaching Rp2.5 billion (over US$155,000)," he stressed.
Abdullah noted that the extortion case has tarnished Indonesia's global image, particularly because it involves Malaysian nationals.
Nonetheless, he praised the firm steps taken by the police in handling the extortion case.
During the trial for violations of the Police Code of Ethics and Profession (KEPP) held on December 31, the panel of judges ruled a dishonorable discharge (PTDH) for Simanjuntak and one unit head.
Meanwhile, the other officer holding the sub-directorate head post, who was also on trial, has not yet been sentenced, as the proceedings were suspended and are set to resume this Thursday.
Related news: Indonesian police ethics trial continues over DWP extortion allegation
Related news: Kompolnas uncovers two police clusters in DWP extortion case
Translator: Melalusa Susthira, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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