Tegal Police in Central Java named Tegal Council Deputy Speaker Wasmad Edi Susilo a suspect on Monday for holding a crowded dangdut concert last week in defiance of COVID-19 restrictions.
“After conducting an investigation, we have decided to name Wasmad Edi Susilo a suspect,” Tegal Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Rita Wulandari Wibowo said on Monday, as quoted by tribunnews.com.
Rita said Wasmad had failed to adhere to health protocol during the event and disregarded warnings from the authorities. He was therefore charged under Article 93 of the 2018 Health Quarantine Law in conjunction with articles 216 and 65 of the Criminal Code, which carry a maximum sentence of one year in prison.
“Fifteen witnesses and several experts have been questioned during the investigation,” Rita said, adding that criminal, health and linguistic experts had taken part in the process.
Police also confiscated seven pieces of evidence, including permits issued by South Tegal Police and a DVD recording of the event.
However, Rita said Wasman would not be detained.
“We have already prepared a warrant for the suspect and will summon him on Wednesday. He is only obliged to report regularly to the police while waiting for the legal proceedings to begin,” she said.
Wasmad held the concert at a field in South Tegal last Wednesday to celebrate a marriage and a circumcision in his family.
On Saturday, South Tegal Police chief Joeharno was dismissed from his position for allowing the event to proceed. (trn)
