Brimob Officer Named Suspect in Fatal Assault of Madrasah Student in Tual

Tual Police have named Mobile Brigade (Brimob) Company 1 Battalion C Pelopor member First Class Private (Bripda) MS as a suspect following the fatal assault of AT (14), a student at MTsN Maluku Tenggara (state Islamic secondary school in Southeast Maluku).

Bripda MS was immediately placed in the Tual Police detention facility following a case review on Friday evening (20 February).

Tual Police Chief Senior Commissioner Whansi Des Asmoro stated that several items of evidence had been secured, including a tactical helmet, motorcycles, and equipment found inside the helmet.

“We have secured Bripda MS’s tactical helmet, two motorcycles, the victim’s motorcycle key, and other equipment from the helmet,” he said on Saturday (21 February).

He added that his office is currently coordinating with the Professional and Security Division (Propam) of Maluku Regional Police regarding disciplinary action against Bripda MS. He affirmed that the officer would face both criminal proceedings and a police ethics tribunal.

14 Witnesses Examined

Whansi explained that Bripda MS had previously held the status of witness-cum-reported party before being elevated to suspect following a marathon examination process.

In this case, fourteen witnesses have been examined, comprising both the victim’s family members and Brimob personnel who were present at the scene.

Bripda MS faces multiple charges in connection with the fatal assault.

The first charge falls under Article 35 in conjunction with Article 14 of the amendment to Law Number 23 of 2002 on Child Protection, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.

He has also been charged under Article 474 paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

National Police Headquarters Issues Apology

The National Police headquarters previously issued an apology and pledged firm action against Bripda MS, who allegedly assaulted the student, identified as AT (14), resulting in his death.

“The National Police conveys its apology for the actions of this individual officer, which are inconsistent with the values of Tribrata and Catur Prasetya,” said National Police Public Relations Division Head Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir in a written statement on Saturday afternoon.

Johnny Isir said the National Police expressed deep condolences over the victim’s death and empathy towards the bereaved family.

“The National Police is firmly committed to transparent and accountable law enforcement and ethics proceedings against the individual personnel involved,” he stated.

He further urged the public to continue monitoring the legal proceedings against the perpetrator.

Bripda MS allegedly struck the head of Arianto Tawakal (14), a student at MTsN Maluku Tenggara, causing the victim to die in a pool of blood.

In addition to Arianto, the victim’s older brother, Nasrim Karim (15), was also reportedly assaulted, suffering a fractured bone.

Maluku Regional Police Chief Inspector General Dadang Hartanto affirmed that the case would be handled through a multi-layered approach, encompassing both criminal court proceedings and a police ethics tribunal.

Maluku Regional Police Public Relations Head Senior Commissioner Rositah Umasugi added that should Bripda MS be found legally guilty of a serious violation, the most severe sanction — Dishonourable Discharge (PTDH) — would be imposed.