Bonefentura Soa (Bone), an online loan (pinjol) debt collector who allegedly misused the services of the Semarang Fire Department, visited the department’s headquarters on Saturday (25/4) to issue a direct apology for his actions. This incident had previously prompted a formal complaint from the emergency service.
Despite the face-to-face meeting, the Semarang Fire Department is still deliberating whether to withdraw the police report filed against Soa. Department officials are scheduled to hold a crucial meeting to finalize their decision on the matter.
Ade Bhakti, Secretary of the Semarang Fire Department, explained on Saturday (25/4) that the next steps are subject to leadership review. “We will report to the leadership soon to determine the follow-up action. Will we retract the initial report, or will we proceed with a new one? The initial report was made using only his phone number,” Bhakti stated, highlighting the evolving nature of their legal considerations.
Bhakti emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting, “This is an institution that cannot be trifled with. Misusing emergency services clearly carries a penalty of 1 year and 6 months in prison.” He expressed his hope that such an incident would not recur and urged online loan debt collectors to refrain from involving other public institutions in their professional activities.
Reiterating his firm stance on the issue, Bhakti further clarified, “This is an institution that cannot be trifled with. Playing with emergency services clearly carries a punishment of 1 year and 6 months in prison.”
Nevertheless, the department acknowledged and appreciated Bonefentura Soa’s willingness to visit their headquarters. Bhakti, however, subtly questioned the timing of the apology, remarking on why Soa had only now gathered the courage to confront them directly.
Ade further elaborated on the initial widespread indignation within the department. “From day one, my colleagues were already questioning the impropriety of the act. That’s simply not the way to conduct business, and my colleagues found it unacceptable,” he recalled. “That evening, I had to ask Mr. Tantri to calm everyone down first. Because if anything happens to the Fire Department, the entire community will surely mobilize in support. Many even reported actively searching for the individual involved.” This underscores the strong public trust and support that the Semarang Fire Department commands, making any misuse of their services particularly egregious.