TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hasbiallah Ilyas, a member of the House of Representatives’ (DPR) Commission III, responded to allegations that the police hacked the account of a Danish national after he criticized the Indonesian government. He said there was no evidence the Indonesian police were being used to silence dissent, calling such claims excessive.
"The concern that the police are being used to suppress criticism is too exaggerated," he told Tempo via a messaging app on Sunday night.
So far, he added, there has been no indication that Indonesia’s cyber police, as an institution, conducted doxing to stifle freedom of expression. Instead, Hasbiallah argued that the cyber unit plays a key role in preventing the spread of hate speech.
"There may be rogue individuals who act improperly, but that’s still within reason—nothing is ever 100 percent perfect," he said.
He asserted that the Indonesian police continue to operate in line with their core duties and functions as outlined in the National Police Law. In his view, officers under National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo have remained committed to reform.
"Throughout various political transitions in the reform era, I believe the National Police have proven themselves to be a state institution loyal only to the nation and the Constitution—neutral, and not a tool of power," he said.
The allegations stem from the case of Sverre Dahl Nielsen, a former Indonesian citizen who now holds Danish citizenship. In a written statement posted to social media, Sverre said he was targeted in a doxing campaign after raising concerns about corruption in Indonesia.
He claimed that both the hacking attempt and the exposure of his personal data were carried out by the Indonesian police. Sverre reported the incident to Danish authorities and later withdrew from social media, citing safety concerns.
According to Sverre, Indonesian police eventually issued an official apology, with a representative visiting his home. After careful consideration, he chose to forgive those involved.
He said the decision was influenced by the potential for the case to involve Interpol and impact diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Denmark. He also expressed concern that Indonesians living in Denmark could be affected.
The choice to forgive, Sverre added, was made on his parents’ advice. He noted that the Indonesian police had dismissed the officer involved, whom they described as acting independently—not under institutional orders.
Tempo contacted National Police spokesperson Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko for comment. As of this report, no response has been received.
Editor’s Choice: Allegations of Journalist Intimidation Prompt Police Investigation in Semarang
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Man Found Dead in Bathroom of South Jakarta Residence, Suspected Suicide
1 jam lalu
The man's body was found hanging in the bathroom. The police suspect that the man died by suicide.
Violence Against Journalists: Police Aide Apologizes for Assaulting Reporter
3 jam lalu
The police aide conveyed an apology for the violence against the journalist at the Perum LKBN ANTARA Central Java Bureau office in Semarang.
Allegations of Journalist Intimidation Prompt Police Investigation in Semarang
4 jam lalu
Allegations of violence occurred when several journalists captured the moment Police Chief General Listyo Sigit greeted train passengers.
Eid Holiday Traffic Accidents Down 12% from Last Year, Police Chief Says
5 jam lalu
The National Police Chief concluded that the return flow went smoothly, with 52 percent of the return flow vehicles recorded as entering Jakarta.
Press Council: Police Clearance for Foreign Journalists Could Threaten Press Independence
3 hari lalu
Chairperson of the Press Council, Ninik Rahayu, considers the issuance of Police Regulation No. 3/2025 as non-participatory due to the lack of involvement of the Press Council, the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), and press companies.
Today's Top 3 News: Trump Announces Reciprocal Tariffs on 60 Countries, Indonesia Hit with 32% Rate
3 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Police: Cipali Toll Road Implements Local One-Way Return Flow Scheme
3 hari lalu
Police osk travelers to maintain the vehicle speed limit of a maximum of 60-100 km/h, even though the one-way system has been implemented.
Indonesian Police: Clearance Not Required for Foreign Journalists to Report
3 hari lalu
Head of the Indonesian National Police Public Relations Division, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho clarified the circulating information regarding Police Regulation No. 3 of 2025.
Foreign Journalists and Researchers Require Police Clearance
4 hari lalu
The National Police Chief has issued Police Regulation No. 3 of 2025, which contains regulations on the supervision of foreigners in Indonesia.
Police Clearance Required for Foreign Journalists, YLBHI Cites Press Law Violation
5 hari lalu
YLBHI said the regulation risks limiting access to information for the international community and treating foreign journalists as potential threats.
