Jakarta. The Journalist Safety Committee (KKJ) reported the death of Tribrata TV journalist Rico Sempurna Pasaribu and his family to the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) on Wednesday, urging thorough oversight of the case.

KKJ representatives, including the Secretary-General of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Bayu Wardhana, Campaign Coordinator of Amnesty International Indonesia Zaky Yamani, and Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) Andy Muhammad Rezaldi, were present during the submission.

Bayu Wardhana stressed the need for a thorough investigation into Rico’s death, which occurred along with his family in a fire at their residence in Karo Regency, North Sumatra. Bayu expressed concerns about potential neglect without proper oversight.

“The case requires special attention due to suspicions of military involvement. Rico had reported on online gambling activities allegedly backed by military members shortly before his death,” Bayu told the media.

Bayu questioned why the implicated military members have not been summoned by the North Sumatra Regional Police, mentioning that footage evidence linking them to the case was provided to KSP. He hoped KSP would push for the examination of all involved parties to uncover the truth but was uncertain about the follow-up timeline.

“Three names have been identified as suspects, but the motive remains undisclosed. We are questioning this,” he added.

Previously, KKJ and Rico’s family reported the case to the Military Police of the Indonesian Army, the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), and the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK).

Rico, 47, his wife Elfrida boru Ginting, 48, his child Sudi Investasi Pasaribu, 12, and grandchild Loin Situkur, 3, died in a fire at their home in Nabung Surbakti, Kabanjahe District, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, on June 27.

The North Sumatra Regional Police named Yunus Saputra Tarigan, Rudi Apri Sembiring, and Bebas Ginting as suspects. Bebas is suspected of ordering the arson executed by Yunus and Rudi. The motive is still under investigation, and the suspects are detained at the Tanah Karo Police Station.

The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) responded to allegations of military involvement in the fire. Army Spokesperson Brigadier General TNI Kristomei Sianturi said the Army is ready to investigate any information and evidence provided by the public.

“The Army will follow up on any information and indications, and we appreciate any evidence regarding the alleged involvement of our members,” Kristomei said last Friday.

Kristomei emphasized their commitment to resolving the case and taking firm action against any guilty military members.

“If proven guilty, the Army will process the involved members according to the prevailing rules and regulations,” he said.

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