Four Brimob Officers Stabbed in Labuan Bajo, Military Command Says Alleged TNI Involvement Still Under Investigation

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has addressed an incident involving the stabbing of four Brimob officers in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), in the early hours of Thursday. Despite allegations pointing to the involvement of three Indonesian Army (AD) soldiers, the IX/Udayana Regional Military Command has stressed that the information is still under investigation. Colonel Inf Amrizal Nasution, Head of Information for Kodam IX/Udayana, stated that his team had received a report regarding a disturbance at a thanksgiving event prior to the stabbing. ‘The information we have received so far confirms that there was a commotion at the thanksgiving event venue last night,’ Amrizal said when confirmed on Thursday. Based on reports received, four Brimob members became victims of the stabbing. However, Amrizal emphasised that the involvement of TNI personnel in the case could not yet be confirmed. ‘As of now, the truth regarding the involvement of TNI members is still under investigation,’ he continued. Information obtained indicates the four victims are undergoing treatment in the Emergency Department of Siloam Hospital in Labuan Bajo. They suffered stab wounds to the chest, back, and ribs. Amrizal explained that his office could not provide extensive details as authorities are still investigating the case. The identities of the perpetrators and the motive for the incident are still being examined. ‘Whether or not TNI members are the perpetrators, we do not yet know; it is still under investigation by the authorities there,’ he added. Nevertheless, Amrizal assured that there would be zero tolerance if an investigation finds TNI members involved in the incident. ‘If there are indeed TNI members at fault, they will definitely be punished. As for the punishment, we shall see what the problem is. We do not yet know who it is, what the circumstances are, or what the issue is. Let us just wait,’ he concluded.