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| Tension in Pondok Ranggon: Arrest Operation Ends in Vehicle Fire. |
Depok, Indonesia – A tense situation unfolded near the Pondok Ranggon Public Cemetery in East Jakarta during the early hours of Friday, April 18, 2025. What started as a police operation to arrest a suspect turned chaotic, ending with a vehicle being set on fire. Authorities later confirmed that the burning incident was closely tied to local resistance against the arrest.
According to the Head of Criminal Investigation at Depok Metro Police, AKBP Bambang Prakoso, the operation was carried out based on legal procedures after the suspect ignored multiple summons from the police.
"Our team was executing an official order to bring in a suspect along with a witness. We had located them in Kampung Baru, Harjamukti, Depok," Bambang said during an interview with Antara News.
Suspect Linked to Two Criminal Cases
The suspect in question is reportedly involved in two separate criminal offenses. The first case concerns property damage and public disorder, while the second is a more serious charge under emergency laws related to illegal firearm possession.
Bambang clarified that the suspect had been summoned several times but never showed up to cooperate with the investigation. As a result, a warrant was issued to bring him in for questioning at Depok Metro Police Headquarters.
14 Officers Deployed, Situation Escalates Quickly
At around 1:30 a.m., a 14-member team from the Depok Police Criminal Investigation Unit was dispatched to the scene. After identifying the suspect, officers attempted to apprehend him. However, resistance from the suspect led to a physical struggle, creating a loud commotion that drew attention from the local residents.
"The struggle was intense, and the noise caught the attention of people in the surrounding area. Some of them came out and, without fully understanding the situation, began attacking our officers," Bambang explained.
Police Car Set on Fire During the Chaos
The tension escalated quickly. In the heat of the moment, one of the police vehicles parked at the scene was set on fire. The vehicle was completely destroyed and rendered unusable.
It’s still unclear who exactly started the fire. However, the police have confirmed that a full investigation is underway to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We consider this a criminal act. Burning a government vehicle is a serious offense, and we will pursue everyone responsible,” said Bambang.
Police Urge the Public to Stay Calm and Informed
In the wake of the incident, the Depok Police have issued a public statement urging the community to stay calm and avoid spreading unverified information. Bambang emphasized that the officers were only carrying out their duties based on legal orders and proper procedures.
“We ask the public not to jump to conclusions or act emotionally. Our officers are trained and always operate within the bounds of the law. If anyone has concerns, they are welcome to report them to the nearest police station,” he added.
The Bigger Picture: Building Trust Between Police and Community
This incident highlights the importance of open communication and trust between law enforcement and the public. While police have a duty to uphold the law, community members also play a crucial role in maintaining peace and order.
Rather than reacting with violence or misinformation, it’s better to seek clarity and engage in dialogue. When law enforcement operations are misunderstood, it can lead to fear, anger, and actions that hurt everyone involved.
As of now, the police are continuing their investigation into both the suspect's alleged crimes and the vehicle burning incident. Authorities have also increased patrols in the area to ensure public safety and prevent further unrest.
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