An Indonesian government official has filed a police complaint against a Catholic priest Father Chrisanctus Paschalis Saturnus accusing him of spreading fake news that links the official with the smuggling of migrant workers.
Father Chrisanctus Paschalis Saturnus has been working as the head of the Migrant and Overseas Pastoral Peace Justice Commission of the Pangkalpinang diocese. The priest was aware of the complaint filed by Bambang Panji Prianggodo, deputy head of the State Intelligence Agency in Riau Island Province reports UCA News.
The priest spread fake news “through a letter, which was distributed to various agencies until finally, our client received information about the letter,” the official’s lawyer Ade Darmawan told reporters on 8 February.
Father Saturnus, an activist who works for the rights of migrant workers, sent a letter to advocacy organizations for the rights of migrant workers, including those in the capital Jakarta, informing them of the smuggling of workers through ports and transport hubs close to the borders of Malaysia and Singapore, a Church source told UCA News.
Riau Islands Province, where Prianggodo is based, borders Singapore and Malaysia, the reported hotbed destinations of illegal migrants from Indonesia.
The priest’s letter “alleged the involvement of a number of parties, including government officials. One of them was the deputy head of the intelligence service, who is suspected of backing” the smuggling activities, the source said.
The letter was leaked and “it was used as evidence by the complainant,” the source added.
Prianggodo’s lawyer said they filed the police complaint after their subpoena was not responded to. However, he declined to disclose details of the complaint or the nature of the accusations against the priest.
Father Saturnus told UCA News on 9 February that although he was “aware of the complaint” he had chosen not to respond. He wanted the media to contact his lawyer “to avoid any misunderstandings.”
The priest’s lawyer Muhammad Ilyas said they were “ready to face this case” but were “still waiting for an official summons from the police.”
The police complaint against the priest came after he made headlines recently when he alleged “a mafia” was smuggling migrant workers through Batam, the largest city in Riau Islands Province.
He recounted how he and his team at the diocesan commission tracked down migrant workers smuggled onto ships, generally with the knowledge of police and immigration officers.
Father Saturnus is known for speaking out against the problem of trafficking illegal migrant workers.
In 2019, he received the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) Award in recognition of his significant role and active support in protecting victims of human trafficking.