KPAI Urges Police to Review Use-of-Force Procedures Following Child's Death
Jakarta (ANTARA) — The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has called for a nationwide review of standard operating procedures (SOP) governing the use of force by law enforcement during security patrols, particularly when dealing with children.
“A nationwide review of the SOP on the use of force by officers, especially when dealing with children, is needed,” said KPAI member Aris Adi Leksono when contacted in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The statement was made in response to an alleged assault by Maluku Regional Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer Bripda MS against a child in Tual City, Southeast Maluku Regency, Maluku Province, which resulted in the child’s death.
According to Aris, a human rights-based approach and a child protection perspective must become the operational standard in every law enforcement action.
“This incident must serve as a loud alarm for all law enforcement officers. The state must not be negligent in ensuring that every child is safe in any situation and anywhere,” he said.
“We strongly condemn the alleged assault that caused the death of a child in Tual. This is not merely a legal violation but a constitutional one. State officers represent the state. When officers commit violence against children, the state is obliged to act decisively to uphold justice,” Aris added.
KPAI has urged law enforcement to apply aggravating provisions against the perpetrator as stipulated under Article 76C in conjunction with Article 80(3) of the Child Protection Act, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment when violence against a child results in death.
“If found guilty, the perpetrator must receive the maximum sentence. There must be no impunity. In addition to criminal proceedings, an ethical sanction in the form of dishonourable discharge must be imposed. The ethics tribunal must be conducted openly to maintain public trust,” said Aris.
The incident began when Brimob officers were conducting a security patrol in Tual City. A group of vehicles was reportedly travelling at high speed and suspected of engaging in illegal street racing.
The victim was riding pillion with his older sibling, identified by the initial N (15), on a motorcycle. The perpetrator allegedly suspected the victim was part of the street racing group.
While on the road, the officer swung his tactical helmet, striking the victim in the face and causing the victim to fall from the motorcycle.
The victim was rushed to Karel Sadsuitubun Regional Hospital in Langgur for medical treatment but tragically did not survive. The victim’s older sibling also suffered assault resulting in a bone fracture.