Case of Brimob Assaulting Student Tests Professionalism, DPR Urges Evaluation of Polri's Handling Functions

Jakarta, VIVA – Member of DPR RI’s Commission III, I Wayan Sudirta, stated that the incident involving the death of a student with the initials AT in Tual, Maluku, has once again tarnished the reputation of the Polri institution, particularly the Brimob.

Several cases related to alleged violence or misconduct by Polri members have become a matter of public concern. According to him, Polri has always been the institution that attracts the most public attention.

He said that Commission III of the DPR has recorded several cases of violence involving police officers, not only in Tual but also in Jakarta, West Sumatra, Central Sulawesi, Central Java, NTT, and others.

“However, in several cases, especially those that have become public, the handling has always used two channels, namely criminal and ethical. Not a few Polri members have been involved in criminal cases,” said Wayan in a written statement on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

In the Tual case, the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, expressed his anger and disappointment regarding the alleged assault case against a student resulting in death by a Brimob officer with the initials MS.

Furthermore, the National Police Chief instructed the Chief of the Maluku Police and the Propam Division to thoroughly investigate the case legally and ethically, with strict and severe measures.

“The public certainly still awaits a firm and concrete follow-up from Polri regarding this case. This improvement should not only stop at firm action but also a thorough investigation,” he said.

He emphasized that an evaluation must be carried out on policies and all of Polri’s handling functions, especially those that have the potential to give rise to repressive actions or abuse of duties and authority. Polri reform, especially in the context of cultural reform, is a key foundation for presenting Polri’s professionalism and accountability.

He said that many have voiced opinions regarding the urgency of Polri’s cultural reform. This input is very important considering the various efforts made by Polri in achieving success in increasing public trust and public satisfaction, but it is always tarnished by various problems that should not have occurred.

For that reason, he emphasized that the reorganization of the organization, human resources (structure and positions) to policies has been carried out optimally. However, one of the problems that seems very difficult to solve is the Polri culture which is still strongly rooted in repressiveness and a lack of professionalism and supervision in the field.