Police Officer Shoots Teenager in Makassar, DPR RI Calls for Review of Firearm SOP

Wed, 04 Mar 2026, 18:57 WIB | By Indriyani Astuti | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Politics

Member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the PKB faction, Abdullah, highlighted the shooting of an 18-year-old Bertrand Eko Prasetyo by a police officer in Makassar, South Sulawesi. He urged the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to impose severe sanctions on the perpetrator to uphold the institution’s dignity.

The man nicknamed Gus Abduh emphasised that civilian lives must not be lost due to procedural lapses in the field. He asked the police to lay out the facts openly to avoid wild speculation among the public.

‘This case must be investigated thoroughly and transparently. If negligence or procedural violations are found, the perpetrator must be given firm sanctions. There must be no impression of impunity for the authorities,’ said Gus Abduh in a statement on Wednesday (4/3).

The tragic incident began when the victim was allegedly involved in a dispute using a toy water jelly gun on Jalan Toddopuli Raya, Makassar, on Sunday (1/3). During the security operation by Iptu N, the officer’s firearm reportedly discharged and struck the victim in the back, resulting in death.

Gus Abduh reminded that the use of firearms by members of the Indonesian Police is tightly regulated in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Firearms should only be used as a last resort in life-threatening situations.

‘The police must be professional and proportional. Firearm use should not be arbitrary because the risks are very high. This should be a moment for a comprehensive review of field firearm usage procedures,’ he said.

Gus Abduh noted that the Makassar incident adds to a long list of firearm violence by authorities against civilians. He urged Polri to tighten supervision, training, and discipline of officers who hold firearm licences to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Gus Abduh assured that Commission III of the DPR RI would closely oversee the legal process, both ethically and criminally, to deliver justice for Bertrand’s family.

‘Law enforcement must be fair. We will continue to monitor that the legal process runs objectively. Every action by officers must be grounded in accountability,’ he concluded. (H-4)

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