23-12-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesian authorities have taken into custody 18 police officers over allegations of extorting Malaysian concertgoers during the recent Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP), one of Asia’s premier electronic music festivals.
The officers, who were serving across various jurisdictions including the Metro Jaya police, central Jakarta police, and the Kemayoran police station, are currently under investigation by the professional and security division (Propam), according to Public Information Bureau Chief Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko.
The scandal came to light after numerous Malaysian attendees took to social media platforms to share their distressing experiences at the three-day festival, which concluded on 15 December at the Jakarta International Expo. According to these accounts, officers allegedly subjected visitors to unnecessary urine tests, passport checks, and demanded money despite negative drug test results.
“These allegations are being treated with the utmost seriousness,” said Trunoyudo in an official statement. “Our internal investigation mechanisms have been fully activated to address these concerning reports.”
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including senior government officials. House of Representatives Commission III chairman Habiburokhman has publicly backed Propam’s investigation, emphasising the need for appropriate punishment if the allegations are proven true.
The National Police Commission has taken a particularly stern stance, with Commissioner Choirul Anam calling for both ethical hearings and criminal proceedings where warranted. “We cannot allow such behaviour to tarnish our police force’s reputation,” Anam told the Kumparan news portal.
Event organiser Ismaya Live, a subsidiary of the Ismaya Group, has acknowledged the incident and expressed deep regret over the experiences of affected concertgoers. In a prepared statement, they confirmed their active cooperation with authorities and relevant government bodies to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
