Police Probe Looting of Lawmakers’ Homes
Jakarta. Inactive House of Representatives member and celebrity Surya Utama, better known as Uya Kuya, shared an Instagram story showing the condition of his home after it was looted by residents.
Through his personal Instagram account, Uya Kuya revealed the state of his house, which was left in ruins after being targeted by a mob on Saturday night, August 30.
According to him, many valuable belongings were taken. He then wrote a calming message in his Instagram Story: "I hope whatever you took will be useful for you," wrote Uya Kuya in the post he shared on Monday.
In addition to showing the damage to his house, Uya Kuya also actively reposted support from netizens who claimed they had once received help from him. Many online users argued that the looting should never have happened, considering his frequent involvement in social activities.
Before the looting, Uya had uploaded an apology video on Saturday. In the short video, he expressed deep regret without giving further clarification.
"I, Uya Kuya, sincerely and wholeheartedly apologize to all Indonesians for what has happened over the past few days, for anything I did whether intentional or unintentional," Uya said in the video.
He added that he fully understood the incident had hurt many people, particularly those who became victims in the clashes during the wave of demonstrations. "We never had the slightest intention of making the situation worse," he said.
Uya then asked for a chance to improve himself, promising to work harder if the public still gave him the space.
However, the apology video did not prevent the mob from storming his house, which eventually led to the looting. Due to the public outrage and in order to ease tensions, the National Mandate Party (PAN) suspended Uya Kuya from his position as a House member.
Not only Uya Kuya, but the house of fellow lawmaker Eko Hendro Purnomo, better known as Eko "Patrio," was also looted on Saturday. Police are now investigating the incident, seeking the perpetrators and the motives behind the violent act.
South Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Nicholas Ary Lilipaly, said the looting at Eko’s house occurred while it was unoccupied.
"Last night there was a looting incident at the house of one of our lawmakers, Eko Patrio. The case is still under police investigation," Nicholas Ary Lilipaly said on Monday.
According to the house security guard, Suparman, the looting took place in three separate waves. The first attack occurred around 7 p.m., followed closely by two other groups. "In total, three groups entered. The entire contents of the house were looted," Suparman revealed.
The mob, which had gathered since the afternoon, managed to break through the door and enter the house unhindered. The residential complex’s security guards were unable to hold back the swelling crowd. At the time, Eko "Patrio" was not at home, leaving the house empty and making the looting relatively unchallenged.
Police suspect the incident was connected to public anger over Eko’s conduct during last week’s Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR/DPR). Eko "Patrio" was caught on camera dancing during the official session, sparking widespread criticism.
The police chief stated that authorities had identified several eyewitnesses and were reviewing CCTV footage in the area to identify the culprits.
"We will investigate thoroughly. Who provoked, who entered, and who took the belongings. Vigilante action is not acceptable," he stressed.
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