Commissioner General Ramdani Pledges Harsh Sanctions Against Bripda Masias Siahaya, Promises Review of Use of Force
Jakarta, VIVA – The Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) has finally broken its silence regarding the alleged assault case that killed 14-year-old student Arianto Tawakal, committed by one of its members, First Class Private (Bripda) Masias Siahaya.
The Commander of the National Police Mobile Brigade Corps, Commissioner General Ramdani Hidayat, confirmed that the handling of the case has been taken over by Maluku Regional Police to ensure the process is swift and transparent.
“The matter has rightly been escalated to and handled by Maluku Regional Police so that the process can proceed more quickly and transparently. We do not tolerate violations by our members. Firm and severe legal proceedings and sanctions are entirely appropriate. We continue to carry out evaluations of every activity, including directives and guidance on the use of force and equipment in the context of serving the public,” he said on Monday, 23 February 2026.
The statement also affirmed that the institution will show zero tolerance for violations committed by its members. Internal evaluations, including directives and guidance, use of force, and equipment used in public service, are said to be ongoing.
Beyond that, Ramdani also issued a public apology over the incident.
“On behalf of myself personally and the leadership of the Mobile Brigade Corps, I extend our deepest apologies for this incident and convey our profound condolences to the family of the late Arianto Tawakal. May he be accepted by Allah SWT, may his sins be forgiven, and may the family he leaves behind always be granted patience and acceptance,” he said.
It was previously reported that the Brimob member who assaulted the Islamic secondary school (Madrasah Tsanawiyah) student Arianto Tawakal (14), resulting in his death near the Uningrat Campus in Tual City, Maluku, on Thursday 19 February 2026, has been detained at the Tual Police Detention Centre. Maluku Regional Police confirmed that legal proceedings against the rogue officer would proceed without compromise.
The suspect, identified as Bripda Masias Siahaya, is a member of Brimob Company 1, Battalion C Pelopor. He is known to have assaulted the victim, who was riding a motorcycle with his elder brother. The victim was rushed to hospital for medical treatment but ultimately died, while his brother sustained a fractured bone.
Maluku Regional Police reaffirmed its commitment to handling the case professionally, transparently, and justly.
“The suspect, a rogue member of Brimob Company 1, Battalion C Pelopor, identified as Bripda MS, has been detained at the Tual Police Detention Centre to be held accountable for his actions in accordance with applicable legal proceedings,” said the Head of Public Relations of Maluku Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Rositah Umasugi, in a press release on Friday, 20 February 2026.