Jayapura – A viral video circulating on social media has accused the Paniai Police of intervening, intimidating, and even using violence during the vote recapitulation process at the Paniai Regency General Election Commission (KPU) office.
In response to these allegations, Kompol Deddy A. Puhiri, the Head of Paniai Police, strongly denied the accusations on Sunday (December 15).
He clarified that the information presented in the video was false and emphasized that the role of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian National Military (TNI) is to maintain order during the recapitulation process. “We are performing this duty to the best of our ability to secure the process. We do not want any disruptions or loss of life, as has happened in neighboring areas,” Kompol Deddy said.
The Police Chief also pointed out that law enforcement has no authority to cancel or postpone the recapitulation plenary session. “Only the organizers, such as the KPU or Bawaslu, have the authority to cancel or postpone the session. There was no intention or interference from the police in the process,” he explained.
This statement was made to address the public’s growing concerns, especially in Paniai Regency, and to clarify the misinformation spreading across social media. Kompol Deddy urged the public not to easily believe unverified information.
“We ask the public to be wise in responding to circulating information. False news should not trigger conflict or worsen the situation,” he added.
As of now, the vote recapitulation process in Paniai continues under tight security from TNI-Polri personnel. The situation at the location is reported to remain stable, and the Police Chief hopes that all parties involved will continue to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of this important event.
