The sense of entitlement and arrogance were off the charts in a viral video depicting a verbal feud between the mother of an Indonesian MP and a woman claiming to be the daughter of a three-star military general.
The video, taken at Soekarno-Hatta Airport’s arrivals terminal on Sunday, shows PDI-P lawmaker Arteria Dahlan and his elderly mother squaring off against the supposed general’s daughter. It appears the latter was upset that Arteria and his mother took too long exiting the aircraft, and thus blocking her path on the aisle, and the conflict carried over into the terminal.
Ibunda Arteria Dahlan Diduga dimaki-maki Wanita Menaiki Mobil Plat TNI, Bawa-bawa nama Jenderal. pic.twitter.com/dD60B6zpFC
— t°Jabar (@tijabar) November 22, 2021
“How did you not block my path? You were ahead of me [on the plane] and were retrieving so many of your belongings,” the woman angrily told Arteria and his mother, using the colloquial Indonesian word “lo” for “you”, which is highly disrespectful when addressing the elderly.
“Do you think I’m scared of you? Who do you think you are?” Arteria’s mother responded.
The woman then claimed that she is the daughter of a three-star general, and that she is the acquaintance of a political party leader. When Arteria pressed her to reveal her father’s name, she refused. She was eventually picked up by a car that sported a military license plate.
In interviews with the media, Arteria noted that the woman, a civilian, was able to order around military personnel as her own security detail and personal aides. The lawmaker has urged military chiefs to ensure that high-ranking officials and their families don’t abuse their privilege.
The Indonesian Military (TNI) has yet to confirm the woman’s claim about her identity, but promised sanctions under military law if it is proven that she is directly related to a member of the force.
Meanwhile, Arteria’s mother has reported the woman to the police accusing her of publicly shaming her, which is punishable by up to four months in prison under Indonesia’s Criminal Code (KUHP). At the same time, the woman has also reported Arteria’s party to the police accusing them of making threats against her well-being, which is punishable by up to one year in prison under the KUHP.
The Soekarno-Hatta Precinct, which received both complaints, said that it’s hoping either case won’t have to go to court.
“We’re going to attempt to hold a mediation session [between the two parties] for a more desirable outcome,” Soekarno-Hatta Police spokesman Prayogo told reporters yesterday, urging the two parties to drop their charges against each other.
lydia says
From both sides. The politician who thinks the public should let them take their own sweet time because… important! Elderly!
The military brat who thinks everyone should get out of their way because… important! Powerful!
And then there is the rest of us who wish these people can just go away.