Maluku Mobile Brigade Officer Arrested over Fatal Assault of Student in Tual

A member of the Maluku Regional Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob), First Class Private MS of Company 1, Pioneer Battalion C, has been arrested in connection with the alleged assault of a state Islamic secondary school (MTsN) student identified by the initials AT (14), who died from his injuries.

Maluku Regional Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Rositah Umasugi said that First Class Private MS has been placed in the Tual District Police detention facility to be held accountable for his actions in accordance with prevailing legal procedures.

She confirmed that criminal proceedings would be pursued against the suspect. MS will also undergo a National Police professional ethics review. Should he be found to have violated the National Police code of professional ethics, First Class Private MS will face the firm sanction of dishonourable discharge from the Indonesian National Police.

“We are handling this case firmly and through multiple channels. Criminal proceedings are underway, and the ethics process is also running. If found guilty, the sanctions will be clear and firm,” she said in a written statement on Friday (20 February).

She added that Maluku Regional Police Chief Inspector General Dadang Hartarto has ordered the Maluku Regional Police Internal Affairs Inspectorate and the Professional and Security Division to conduct a thorough investigation into the handling of the case and the sequence of events.

Additionally, the Maluku Regional Police Brimob Unit Commander has been dispatched to Tual City to ensure all handling procedures are followed properly and to conduct internal oversight of personnel.

“This measure reflects the commitment of the Maluku Regional Police leadership to ensure every process is conducted objectively, professionally and accountably,” she said.

The MTsN Southeast Maluku student, identified as Aat (14), was reported to have died covered in blood. The victim allegedly died after being struck with a helmet by First Class Private MS, a member of Brimob Company 1, Pioneer C.

The incident occurred on Marren Road, not far from Uningrat University in Tual City, on Thursday morning (19 February). Speaking at the family home, the victim’s older brother Nasri Karim (15) recounted that he and the victim had gone for a ride after the pre-dawn Ramadan meal. They were each riding their own motorcycles.

They passed through a road that served as an illegal street racing location being monitored by Brimob officers. On a downhill stretch, their motorcycles picked up speed. At that point, First Class Private MS and several other officers were on patrol monitoring illegal street racing.

Upon arriving at the scene, the victim, who was riding behind, was immediately struck in the face with a helmet. The victim fell and his motorcycle collided with his older brother’s motorcycle in front.

“At that moment, the Brimob officer jumped from the pavement and struck the victim’s face with a helmet. The victim fell, his head hit the asphalt, and blood came from his mouth and nose. There was also blood coming from the side of his head,” he said.

The victim was then evacuated to a patrol vehicle with his head hanging unsupported. According to Nasri, the victim’s body was held by several officers whilst others merely dragged his clothing as though he were an animal.

The victim was taken to Karel Sadsuitubun Regional Hospital. However, his life could not be saved after arrival at the hospital. Nasri said he was subsequently interrogated and intimidated by Brimob officers.

Nasri also revealed that Brimob officers forced him to admit that they had joined the illegal street racing group. However, he maintained that they were not involved in street racing, as they had only gone for a ride after the pre-dawn meal.

Meanwhile, a family member of the victim, Moksen Ali, strongly condemned the assault by First Class Private MS against a student still in Year Nine of the Islamic secondary school. He demanded the perpetrator receive the harshest possible punishment.

“We demand he be dismissed,” he said.

He said the family was devastated after seeing video footage of the child dead and covered in blood, with blood flowing on the asphalt. Moreover, the victim’s body was evacuated to the police vehicle as though he were an animal.

“We will monitor and pursue charges against the perpetrator. We are distressed — our child should have been warned or counselled, not beaten to death. We feel a profound loss and will continue to monitor the legal process,” he said.