Kodam XX Closes Shooting Range Following Stray Bullet Incident

Padang — The XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol Military Regional Command (Kodam) has temporarily closed the shooting range used by TNI personnel following an incident involving alleged stray bullets that struck two civilians near the Padang State University area on Tuesday afternoon (2/6).

“Following yesterday’s incident, we have closed the training site,” stated the Head of Information for Kodam XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol, Colonel Kav Taufiq, in Padang on Wednesday.

According to information gathered by Kodam XX, this is not the first time stray or misdirected bullets have been reported in the vicinity of Padang State University. Consequently, following an evaluation, the Commander of the Imam Bonjol Military Regional Command decided to temporarily shut down the shooting location.

Taufiq noted that the closure will remain in effect until an internal team declares and ensures that the location is entirely safe for use by TNI soldiers, including measures to prevent any potential future incidents of misdirected bullets.

The incident on Tuesday afternoon resulted in a Padang State University student being struck in the leg, while another man sustained an injury to his arm.

At the time of the incident, Taufiq confirmed that the 897/Singgalang Infantry Battalion was conducting shooting exercises. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether the source of the bullets originated from the training area.

An internal TNI investigation team is currently gathering data to trace the origin of the bullets. In addition to conducting a crime scene investigation at the Padang State University Rectorate area, Kodam Imam Bonjol officials have also taken statements from several individuals at the scene.

Kodam XX has requested that the public allow time for officers to uncover the facts regarding the stray bullet case, the results of which will be communicated to the public in due course.