Inspector General Dadang Hartanto Apologises and Pledges Firm Action Against Brimob Officer Who Fatally Assaulted Madrasah Student
Public pressure over the death of a Southeast Maluku state madrasah (MTsN) student, identified by the initials AT (14), has compelled senior police leadership in the region to speak out.
Maluku Police Chief Inspector General Dadang Hartanto conveyed a direct apology to the victim’s family and assured the public that the case would be handled seriously and without compromise.
“We extend our condolences and offer our sincere apologies to the victim’s family. This tragedy is a matter of grave concern for us and will be handled with the utmost seriousness,” he said, as quoted on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
The apology followed allegations of assault carried out by First Class Private MS, a member of Brimob Company 1, Pioneer Battalion C. The incident proved fatal for AT.
First Class Private MS has been secured and detained at the Tual District Police detention facility. Criminal proceedings are under way, and simultaneously an ethics tribunal is being conducted by the Professional Affairs and Security Division (Bid Propam) of the Maluku Regional Police.
Should the ethics tribunal find a violation of the National Police Professional Code of Ethics, the severe sanction of Dishonourable Discharge (PTDH) may be imposed.
“We are handling this case firmly and through multiple layers. Criminal proceedings are ongoing, and the code of ethics process is also proceeding. If found guilty, the sanctions will be clear and decisive,” Hartanto said.
Internally, oversight of the case handling has reportedly been tightened. Maluku Regional Police Public Relations Chief Senior Commissioner Rositah Umasugi stated that the Internal Affairs Inspector and the Head of the Professional Affairs Division are both monitoring the legal process.
Furthermore, the Brimob Detachment Commander of the Maluku Regional Police has travelled to Tual City to ensure all stages of the case are handled in accordance with procedures and to conduct internal oversight of personnel.
“This step reflects the commitment of the Maluku Regional Police leadership to ensure every process is conducted objectively, professionally, and with full accountability,” Rositah said.
She also urged the public not to be provoked by unverified information.
“The Maluku Regional Police urges the public to remain calm, not be influenced by unverified information, and to place full trust in the law enforcement process being carried out by the police,” she added.
The incident occurred on Thursday, 19 February 2026, near the Uningrat Campus in Tual City, Maluku. The Brimob officer allegedly assaulted the madrasah student, resulting in the teenager’s death. The Maluku Regional Police has confirmed that the legal process against its member will proceed without compromise.