DPR Commission III Scrutinises Makassar Police Shooting of Teen
Member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Abdullah, urged that the shooting case which killed a Makassar teenager, Bertrand Eka Prasetyo (18), by police on Sunday (1/3), be thoroughly investigated.
Abdullah asked that the perpetrators be given firm sanctions to avoid any impression of impunity towards the authorities.
‘This case must be investigated thoroughly and transparently. If negligence or procedural violations are found, the perpetrators must face stern sanctions. There must be no impression of impunity towards the authorities,’ Abdullah said in a statement on Wednesday (4/3).
The shooting occurred while the victim was allegedly involved in a brawl and was carrying a water jelly toy gun on Jalan Toddopuli Raya, Makassar, on Sunday (1/3). In the course of the security operation by Iptu N, the officer’s firearm discharged and struck the victim in the back, killing him.
Abdullah reminded that the use of firearms is tightly regulated in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and should only be used as a last resort when a life-threatening situation exists.
‘The use of firearms must not be arbitrary, given the significant risk to public safety,’ he said.
The PKB politician said the incident adds to a string of firearm violence by authorities against civilians.
On that basis Abdullah urged Polri to tighten supervision, training, and discipline in the use of weapons by officers.
He stressed that Commission III will closely monitor the legal process of the case, both ethically and criminally.
‘We will continue to monitor to ensure the legal process is objective and provides justice for the victim’s family. Every officer’s action must be guided by accountability,’ Abdullah said.
Makassar City Police Chief, Kombes Pol Arya Perdana, said they had secured Iptu N and he is currently under investigation. Arya said they had taken swift action following the incident on Sunday (1/3).
‘The action we took was to immediately secure Iptu N, conduct an examination that same day, and secure his weapon,’ Arya told reporters on Wednesday (4/3).