'Teaming Up to Free' Indonesian Student Arrested in Turkey
Jakarta. The arrest of a 21-years-old Indonesian student for his alleged involvement in a political organization in Turkey was believed to be a misunderstanding and deemed an outcome of Turkey's volatile political context, a former youth leader and Turkish student said.
"We need to understand the context of Turkey, on why they arrest lots of foreigners, including our students. There is a special political situation here in Turkey at this time," Arya Sandiyudha, former Chairman of Indonesian Student Association (PPI) of Turkey said in Jakarta, earlier this week.
The unstable political situation in the country has spurred tensions between supporters of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the opposition.
The Indonesian student, identified as Handika Lintang Saputra studying in the city of Gianzep, was arrested after allegedly becoming involved in an organization against Erdogan.
Tensions between the two factions has triggered violence across the country. Five bombs in Istanbul and another in Ankara killed 35 in March, with 28 injured in Ankara violence a month earlier.
"These traumatic events have made the Turkish government very sensitive and alert to security. Our citizen was arrested in the context of that situation and is still being investigated. He hasn’t been proved as part of the attack," said Arya, a scholar who completed his doctorate in politics and international relations at Fatih University, Turkey.
Handika was arrested on Friday (03/06) by Turkish authorities for his alleged involvement in illegal political activities. The Indonesian Government through the Embassy in Ankara continues to assist Handika.
Arya said Handika is likely to only be involved in the first two stages of the movement, based on his knowledge of student movements in Turkey.
"Almost all students don’t want to be involved in political issues, which is very harsh in Turkey. I know them [students], because in 2014, when I was the chairman of the PPI, they were too busy with academic stuff," he clarified.
The Indonesian embassy has advocated for Handika throughout the legal process, including during hearings with prosecutors and police and supplying clothing to him while imprisoned.
"Now, they must focus advocating him as he was probably arrested because of a misunderstanding. We know there’s an uncommon political situation in Turkey that can drag in citizens," he said.
Asking for Jokowi's help
In the midst of uncertainty, Handika's father Basuki Raharjo has turned to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to speed up the release of his son.
"[The family] is really worried about my son's condition. We hope Jokowi could step in to freed him," Basuki said, as quoted by kompas.com.
Basuki said his last contact with Handika was Wednesday, June 1, two days before the arrest. At that time Handika did not mention any political involvement.
Handika hails from Tlogo village in Wonosobo, Cental Java, and is regarded as a talented student, Wonosobo deputy district head Agus Subagiyo said.
Agus said his office has contacted the foreign ministry and the embassy in Turkey via the Indonesian government.
"Everyone is teaming up to free Handika," he said.
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