Indonesian National Police Apologise Over Alleged Fatal Assault on Student by Brimob Officer in Maluku

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) have issued a public apology over an incident in which a Brimob (Mobile Brigade) officer, First Class Private MS, allegedly assaulted a student identified by the initials AT until the victim died in Tual City, Maluku. The force expressed its deepest condolences over the victim’s death.

Polri’s Head of Public Relations Division, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, affirmed that the institution deeply regretted the incident and expressed profound empathy to the victim’s family.

“Polri extends its deepest condolences over the victim’s death and empathises with the victim’s extended family over this incident,” Isir said in a statement on Saturday (21 February 2026).

He conveyed an apology to the victim’s family and the public. Isir stressed that the act of violence committed by the officer was an individual deviation that did not represent the Polri institution.

“Polri conveys its apology for the actions of this individual officer, which are inconsistent with the values of Tribrata and Catur Prasetya,” he said.

Isir stated that Polri would ensure the legal process against the Brimob officer would be conducted transparently. He guaranteed that action would be taken through both criminal and ethical proceedings.

“Polri is firmly committed to the law enforcement process and code of ethics against the individual personnel involved, in a transparent and accountable manner,” he emphasised.

The decisive measures were taken as a form of institutional accountability and as a deterrent to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future. Additionally, Polri offered prayers for the victim’s family to be granted fortitude and strength in facing the tragedy.

“Polri continually prays for and supports the victim’s extended family, that they may be granted fortitude and strength from God Almighty in facing this tragic incident,” Isir said.

In closing his statement, Isir called upon the family and the public to monitor the legal proceedings.

“Polri invites the family and all stakeholders to jointly oversee the law enforcement process against this individual officer, in alignment with legal principles, transparently and accountably,” he said.

The Alleged Assault

The Brimob officer, First Class Private MS, stationed in Tual City, Maluku, allegedly assaulted a Madrasa Tsanawiyah (Islamic junior secondary school) student identified as AT (aged 14) until the victim died. The suspect was assigned to Company 1, Pioneer Battalion of the Maluku Regional Police’s Mobile Brigade.

“The suspected perpetrator is a Brimob officer from Company 1, Pioneer Battalion C, First Class Private MS,” said the Head of Public Relations for Maluku Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Rositah Umasugi, in a statement on Friday (20 February).

The alleged assault occurred near the Uningrat Campus in Tual City on Thursday (19 February). Rositah stated that the case was being handled seriously and transparently.

“Maluku Regional Police affirms its commitment to resolving the handling of this incident near Uningrat Campus in Tual City in a professional, transparent and just manner,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Maluku Regional Police Chief Inspector General Dadang Hartanto affirmed that Polri would show no tolerance towards any form of legal or ethical violation. The handling was being conducted on multiple levels.

“We are handling this case firmly and on multiple levels. The criminal process is underway, and the code of ethics process is also underway. If found guilty, the sanctions will be clear and decisive,” he added.