August 19, 2025 | 04:09 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Secretary General for the mass organization Gerakan Rakyat Indonesia Bersatu Jaya (GRIB Jaya), Zulfikar, spoke out about the demolition of its North Sumatran headquarters. On August 14, 2025, the Secretariat of the North Sumatra Regional Board (DPD) of GRIB Jaya was recently demolished on suspicion of being a lair for drug transactions.
Zulfikar strongly denied rumors that the GRIB Jaya headquarters was demolished for drug-linked reasons. "The real reason was incomplete paperwork," he told Tempo in a phone interview on August 17, 2025.
According to the GRIB Jaya Secretary General, the building's permits were not yet resolved, causing the headquarters to be demolished. Zulfikar lamented the unilateral decision of the North Sumatran government to level the building.
"They should have been more persuasive, as we, as a community, need assistance in completing the necessary paperwork," said Zulfikar.
Zulfikar slammed North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution for acting arrogantly by carrying out the sudden demolition. "We requested mediation, but they rejected dialogue and proceeded with the demolition," said Zulfikar.
Regarding the existence of a nightclub, Marcopolo, within their headquarters area, Zulfikar said GRIB Jaya acknowledged its existence but not the construction.
Nevertheless, Zulfikar said the demolition of their headquarters was not at all related to the existence of the nightclub. "The discotheque had already been closed a day before our entire headquarters was demolished," he stated.
The North Sumatra provincial government demolished the Secretariat of the North Sumatra Regional Board (DPD) of GRIB Jaya on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The destruction of the organization's headquarters was said to be linked to the existence of the Marcopolo Discotheque, which was still located in the GRIB Jaya secretariat area.
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution said the nightclub was used for drug transactions. The nightclub, he said, was built without proper legal paperwork, from building permits to entertainment permits. "There was none, not even the permits for nightlife entertainment," he said.
Sahat Simatupang contributed to the writing of this article
Editor’s Choice: GRIB Jaya Denies Demanding Rp5 Billion from BMKG
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Half-Ton Crystal Meth from Iran, China Smuggled to Java Through Sumatra
3 hari lalu

516 kilograms of crystal meth were transited through a Malaysian port and then brought to Sumatra. It was later transported to Java via land routes.
Trump Considers Reclassifying Marijuana as Less Dangerous Drug
6 hari lalu

Trump said his administration is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
Measles Outbreak in North Sumatra: Understanding the Risk Factors for the Disease
12 hari lalu

What are the causes and symptoms of the measles outbreak affecting 12 regencies and cities in North Sumatra, Indonesia?
How Machine Learning Can Help Discover Anti-Hepatitis C Drugs
15 hari lalu

Every year, the hepatitis C virus affects more than 200 million across the world. Machine learning can drastically reduce time for its drug discovery.
Germany's Oldest Gay Club Declares Bankruptcy After 50 Years
15 hari lalu

The oldest LGBTQ+ nightclub in Germany is facing bankruptcy after mounting financial troubles.
The Danger of Political Dynasty: Examining Bobby Nasution's Network in North Sumatra Corruption Case
22 hari lalu

An investigation into the political dynasty involving President Jokowi's family members and the recent scandal surrounding Governor Bobby Nasution's associate, Topan Ginting.
BNN Chief Bans Officers from Arresting Drug Users, Including Celebrities
34 hari lalu

According to the Head of Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Marthinus Hukom, drug users are considered victims.
Bobby Nasution, Corruption, Political Dynasties
35 hari lalu

The KPK arrested a man close to North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution for alleged bribery. It is the fruits of a political dynasty.
PU Ministry: 12-km Toll Road to Lake Toba Set for 2025 Completion
36 hari lalu

The Ministry of Public Works continues to accelerate the construction of toll road infrastructure leading to the strategic Lake Toba area.
Police Bust Clandestine Meth Lab in Jakarta Linked to International Drug Syndicate
38 hari lalu

West Java Police have uncovered a secret meth lab in West Jakarta, believed to be run by the international Golden Crescent drug syndicate.