Four Suspects in Death of Bripda Natanael Face Up to 10 Years in Prison

The legal process in the case of the death of Bripda Natanael Simanungkalit at the Riau Islands Police dormitory on Tuesday (14/4) has advanced to the investigation stage. The suspects designated as such face up to 10 years in prison.

The four suspects are Bripda Arouna Sihombing as the main perpetrator, along with the other three: Bripda Asrul Prasetya, Bripda Guntur Sakti Pamungkas, and Bripda Muhammad Alfarizi. In addition to being dismissed from the National Police under ethical codes, they also face criminal penalties of 7 years and 10 years in prison in accordance with applicable regulations.

“The penalty under Article 446 is a maximum of 7 years, while under Article 468 it is a maximum of 10 years,” said the Director of Criminal Investigation at Riau Islands Police, Kombes Ronni Bonic, on Friday night (17/4).

He stated that the suspects are charged under primary Article 466 paragraph (3) of the Criminal Code, subsidiarity Article 468 paragraph (2) of the Criminal Code, in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of the Criminal Code, regarding participation or involvement in the criminal act of assault that resulted in the death of Bripda Natanael Simanungkalit.

Based on the facts uncovered in the investigation, involvement of other parties was found, providing sufficient evidence for the criminal act.

Nevertheless, he did not explain in detail the motive behind the assault by the four suspects that led to the death of Bripda Natanael Simanungkalit at the hands of his seniors.

“Based on the investigation facts and the results of our investigation briefing, their status has been elevated from witnesses to suspects. Therefore, today, the status of those three witnesses has been upgraded to suspects,” he said.

The Chair of the Ethics Code Commission Hearing, Kombes Pol. Eddwi Kurniyanto, stated that the perpetrators in the death of Bripda Natanael Simanungkalit each had their respective roles.

He explained that in this case, Bripda Arouna Sihombing is the main perpetrator, while the other three consciously followed orders from the main perpetrator to end Bripda Natanael’s life.

“Each has their role; there is a main perpetrator, perhaps due to orders, but it was still carried out. Now, all who committed the act—some gave orders, some were aware,” said Eddwi.