Indonesian Air Force names four soldiers as suspects in Sergeant AMF assault case
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force Military Police (Puspomau) has named four soldiers as suspects in an alleged assault case that resulted in the death of Sergeant AMF.
“Based on the results of the investigation, we have identified four suspects, namely Serda MTS, Serda MAD, Serda JM, and Serda AH, all of whom are members of the Indonesian Air Force,” stated the Commander of Puspomau, Air Vice Marshal Daan Sulfi, during a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base on Wednesday.
Daan stated that the designation of suspects was made after investigators gathered physical evidence and witness testimonies, subsequently elevating the status of the investigation from an inquiry to a full criminal investigation.
The Commander of Puspomau explained that the perpetrators are facing several concurrent charges. The first charge involves Article 131, paragraph 3 of the Military Criminal Code (KUHPM) in conjunction with Article 20, letter C of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 1 of 2023 (the Criminal Code), regarding assault by military personnel resulting in death, which carries a maximum prison sentence of nine years.
“Alternatively, under Article 467, paragraph 3 in conjunction with Article 20, letter C of the Criminal Code, which regulates premeditated grievous bodily harm resulting in death, the maximum prison sentence is nine years,” Daan explained.
“Or Article 466, paragraph 3 in conjunction with Article 20, letter C of the Criminal Code, regarding assault resulting in death, which carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years,” he added.
He ensured that the Indonesian Air Force will work professionally and transparently throughout the investigation process.
It is reported that the assault occurred because one of the suspects, MTS, felt insulted after his phone call was unilaterally disconnected by one of the victim’s classmates, Sergeant RP, on Tuesday (9/9).
Feeling offended, MTS requested that Serda RP, Serda ZN, and Serda AMF meet him at the Galaxy Mess of the Indonesian Air Force Psychological Service, located within the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base complex, East Jakarta, on Wednesday (10/9).
During the meeting, MTS also brought along his classmates, MAD and JM. The four individuals intended to provide ‘advice and guidance’ to RP, AMF, and ZN to ensure they behaved more politely towards their seniors.
During the encounter, AMF became the target of the assault because he was deemed responsible for the actions of RP. “Because the deceased was the most senior, he was considered responsible for the actions of his juniors. That was the suspects’ reasoning,” Daan explained.
AMF was assaulted by JM until he lost consciousness. Although AMF was rushed to the hospital, he tragically could not be saved.