PRIME NEWS POST 

The INDONESIAN, (BEKASI)– A widely circulated social media video has drawn public attention, showing a heated exchange between a man claiming to be a Branch Manager of Orang Tua (OT) and a lawyer witnessed by several onlookers.

The man has been identified as Hengky Hermanto, reportedly affiliated with PT Sumber Tirta Sentosa. In the footage, he is seen questioning the legality and business permits of a micro, small, and medium enterprise (UMKM) operator, and repeatedly invoking the name of the Customs and Excise Office as if exercising official authority.

The incident drew sharp criticism from Pangidoan Terbit Ropu Lumbantobing, S.H., the young lawyer present at the scene, who deemed the conduct improper and unlawful.

“Do not try to intimidate me by claiming to represent Customs or threatening to call them in,” Pangidoan firmly stated in the video, which has spread across multiple social media platforms.

He emphasized that persons not affiliated with licensing agencies or law enforcement hold no authority to interrogate citizens or demand proof of business legality in a manner that causes fear or coercion. Such conduct creates the false impression of powers reserved for investigators, customs officers, or authorized regulators—powers that do not belong to private individuals or corporate staff.

“Oversight of business licensing falls exclusively under the mandate of competent government bodies, in accordance with prevailing laws. If violations are suspected, there are proper legal channels and authorized institutions to address them. No private party should act as if they are law enforcement, leaving UMKM owners feeling intimidated,” Pangidoan asserted.

He reminded all parties that business operators—especially small and medium enterprises—are entitled to conduct their activities free from pressure or intimidation by unauthorized persons. A healthy investment climate and business sector thrive only when everyone respects institutional boundaries and communicates with courtesy and professionalism.

Pangidoan hopes the incident serves as a lesson: neither corporate representatives nor members of the public should exceed their authority, so as not to create anxiety within the business community.

As of this release, no official statement has been issued by Hengky Hermanto or PT Sumber Tirta Sentosa regarding the video. All parties are urged to uphold the presumption of innocence and allow the concerned individuals an opportunity to provide clarification.

Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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