Yan Sofyan Syafe'i, founder of Yayasan Sekolah Islam Harapan Ibu in South Jakarta, has spoken out about the discovery of 995 weapons in the room of the former chairman of the private school's foundation. Sofyan expressed sadness over the discovery and hopes the matter can be resolved soon.
"We as the founder who established this school feel very sad about something like this happening, but God willing, hopefully everything can be fixed as well as possible," said Sofyan during a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday (9/8).
The school foundation's legal counsel, Alvon Kurnia Palma, requested that claims the weapons were for extracurricular activities be clearly proven. Alvon asked those making such claims to ensure there are no inaccurate statements.
"When someone says this is an extracurricular activity and it has been approved, please prove it. Don't let this become something that legitimises what is actually not true," said Alvon. He also denied there was any conflict of interest among the foundation's founders.
Meanwhile, Alhadid Endar Putra, general director of PT Lokta Karya Perbakin and claiming to be the weapons owner, said the hundreds of airsoft guns found were legal and licensed. Alhadid said the weapons were stored in the school's warehouse in connection with a planned target shooting extracurricular activity designed in 2020 under cooperation with Suryo, a foundation trustee.
While awaiting resolution of the matter, the school will temporarily implement distance learning for one week starting Monday to ensure student safety. During distance learning, the school has asked police to sterilise the school premises.
