Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak declared on Monday (22/7/2024) that the Army will not protect any members involved in the fatal arson case of Tribrata TV journalist Rico Sampurna Pasaribu in Karo, North Sumatra, which resulted in four deaths.

He emphasized that protecting members involved in such criminal acts would only harm the institution. 

"Why protect perpetrators? If someone is at fault, let them face justice," Commander Maruli said after presiding over a ceremony at the Army Headquarters in Jakarta, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The Army has initiated an investigation into the alleged involvement of its personnel but has yet to find evidence linking any soldiers to the case. The journalist’s death may be connected to his reports on online gambling, which reportedly targeted the Army.

The family of Rico Sampurna has reported a soldier, identified as First Corporal HB from the 125th Infantry Battalion in Kabanjahe, to the Military Police. He is suspected of being involved in the journalist's death due to his reported links with illegal gambling activities.

The North Sumatra Regional Police have identified three suspects in the arson: RAS, YT, and B, with B allegedly ordering the attack.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)