KemenPPPA: An adult male victim shot by police in Makassar

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) has stated that the victim shot by police in Makassar, South Sulawesi, was an adult male. ‘The victim died as an adult male, aged 18 years 4 months,’ said Ciput Eka Purwianti, Assistant Deputy for the Provision of Services for Children Requiring Special Protection at KemenPPPA, when contacted in Jakarta on Friday (6/3). ‘Considering the victim is an adult male, no further handling was undertaken.’ Nevertheless, KemenPPPA regrets the alleged carelessness in the use of firearms by the police that led to the death of the victim. The victim was recorded as a Grade 12 student (3rd year of senior high school) in Makassar. So far, the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Women and Children Protection (UPTD PPA) Makassar City has conducted initial outreach to the victim’s home, but could not meet the family due to mourning. The victim had lived with his biological father, and paternal grandparents (father’s side). The victim’s parents have divorced. Previously, a teenage male with initials BEP died after being shot by Iptu N, a police officer from Panakkukang Police Sector, Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Sunday (1/3). Initially, police received reports of a group of youths playing war games using toy guns in Panakkukang. In the report, it is stated that the youths’ actions disturbed road users. Iptu N then went to the scene, fired a warning shot to disperse the crowd, and attempted to secure the victim. However, the victim resisted and tried to flee. At that moment, the officer’s pistol accidentally discharged and struck the victim’s body. The victim was immediately taken to Grestelina Hospital. But due to limited medical equipment, the victim was later referred to RS Bhayangkara Makassar. Unfortunately, the victim died while en route. Currently, Iptu N has been named a suspect.