The National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) is evaluating the mental state of a woman who tried to forcefully enter Merdeka Palace on Tuesday (October 25, 2022) by pointing a gun at a presidential security officer.

“We are studying the mental aspect (of the suspect) because we need to investigate the suspect’s behavior,” BNPT Head Boy Rafli Amar informed here on Wednesday.

The mental assessment is needed to determine the motive of the suspect, identified as Siti Elina (SE), for attempting the intrusion, he added.

He said it was odd that the suspect brought a pistol without any bullet if she intended to attack the palace.

“We need the psychological examination report and (assessment) of the mental state. If she intended to harm, she would not have neglected (to load) the bullet to her pistol,” Amar explained.

He said that the agency is investigating the involvement of other parties in the attempted trespass and monitoring the ongoing investigation conducted by law enforcers.

“We will also probe the possible involvement of other parties (in the attempt). Is it an act of terror? We are not reaching that conclusion yet. Law enforcers are investigating this case, and we are also monitoring their investigation,” the BNPT head added.

Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, investigators from Jakarta Police’s National Security Sub-directorate named SE as a suspect in the attempted intrusion into the palace.

According to head of the Jakarta Police’s public relations division, Senior Commissioner Endra Zulpan, the suspect will be charged under Emergency Law No. 12 of 1951 on illegal possession of a firearm jo Article 335 of the Criminal Code on act of coercion.

Police officials are still investigating the case and have not charged the suspect under the terrorism law yet, he added.

Source: Antara News