Military Personnel Shoot Each Other: Suspects Arrested After Argument in Café

The Military Police (Pomdam) II/Sriwijaya has apprehended the suspected perpetrators involved in the shooting of fellow military personnel in Palembang, South Sumatra.

The incident resulted in the death of Private First Class Ferischal Alfarizky Abelsa, from the Denkesyah unit in Palembang, under the Kesdam II/Swj command. The suspects are Sergeant MRR and a civilian with the initials DS, who is accused of concealing evidence related to the firearm.

“The suspect, Sergeant MRR, was successfully apprehended while he was in the parking area of Bhayangkara Hospital. The perpetrator and witnesses are currently being held at Madenpom II/4 for further investigation,” said Head of Public Information (Kadispen) of the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), Brigadier General Donny Pramono, in a statement on Sunday (May 17).

He also explained that Denpom II/4 Palembang immediately conducted a crime scene investigation, examined 21 witnesses, secured CCTV footage, and coordinated with Bhayangkara Hospital for an autopsy.

Donny stated that the autopsy results showed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the lower right abdomen, which penetrated the liver and left lung lobe, causing severe bleeding.

“The homemade firearm used in the incident was found at DS’s residence, located in Srimulya Village, Sematang Borang, on Saturday night at 8:15 PM,” he said.

He also mentioned that the Commander of the II/Sriwijaya Military Command had ordered the Deputy Chief of Intelligence and the Chief of the Military Police to handle the case thoroughly. The file for MRR’s case will be immediately transferred to the I-05 Plg Military Court, and DS’s case will be transferred to the Palembang City Police.

“We would like to inform you that the military funeral ceremony for the late Private First Class Ferischal Alfarizky Abelsa was held on Saturday afternoon at 5:45 PM at the Sematang Borang Public Cemetery in Palembang,” he said.

Donny explained that the incident began when both parties were at a night entertainment venue. At around 2:30 AM, an argument occurred between Private BI and Sergeant MRR regarding a personal matter, which escalated into a physical altercation.

Afterward, MRR was allegedly cornered and reportedly drew a homemade firearm, firing shots that hit Private Ferischal. The victim was rushed to Permata Palembang Hospital but was pronounced dead at 3:45 AM.