National Police Chief Furious Over Brimob Officer's Fatal Assault on Madrasah Student: 'They Should Protect the Public'
Jakarta, VIVA – Allegations of assault involving a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer, Bripda Masias Siahaya, which resulted in the death of a 14-year-old student named Arianto Tawakal, have drawn a fierce response from National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
The former head of the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency made no attempt to conceal his emotions. He admitted to being furious over the incident, which he said had tarnished the institution he leads.
“Just as the victim’s family and the public feel, I am angry to hear that this has happened. This clearly desecrates the dignity of the Brimob institution, which should be protecting the public,” he said on Monday, 23 February 2026.
According to Sigit, the incident has not only left deep grief for the victim’s family but has also damaged public trust in law enforcement institutions. He personally conveyed his condolences.
“I express my deepest condolences to the victim’s entire family and to the public over this incident,” he said.
The Police Chief went further, ensuring that the legal process would proceed without compromise. He confirmed that he had issued firm instructions for the case to be thoroughly investigated.
“I have ordered that the case be fully investigated and that the perpetrator receive a fitting punishment, and that justice be upheld for the victim’s family,” he added.
The Brimob officer responsible for the assault on the Madrasah Tsanawiyah (Islamic junior secondary school) student, identified by the initials AT (14), who died near the Uningrat University campus in Tual City, Maluku, on Thursday, 19 February 2026, has been apprehended and detained at the Tual Police Detention Centre. The Maluku Regional Police confirmed that the legal process against its member would proceed without compromise.
The suspect, identified as Bripda MS, is known to be a member of Brimob Company 1, Battalion C Pelopor. He allegedly assaulted the victim, who was riding a motorcycle with his older sibling. The victim was rushed to hospital for medical treatment but ultimately died, whilst his sibling sustained bone fractures.
The Maluku Regional Police affirmed its commitment to handling the case professionally, transparently, and justly.
“The suspect, who is a member of Brimob Company 1, Battalion C Pelopor, identified as Bripda MS, has been apprehended and detained at the Tual Police Detention Centre to be held accountable for his actions in accordance with the applicable legal process,” said the Head of Public Relations for the Maluku Regional Police, Commissioner Rositah Umasugi, in a press statement on Friday, 20 February 2026.