Sriwijaya Military Police Ban Soldiers from Entering Nightclubs
The Military Police of the Sriwijaya Military Regional Command (Kodam) II/Sriwijaya has prohibited Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers from visiting nightclubs. This prohibition was issued following an incident in which a TNI soldier shot and killed a fellow soldier at a nightclub cafe in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Saturday, 16 May 2026.
The ban was announced via the official Instagram account of Pomdam II/Sriwijaya, stating, “It is strictly forbidden for TNI soldiers to enter nightclubs.” The TNI maintains that visiting such establishments constitutes a violation of official regulations and the military code of ethics. Furthermore, Pomdam II/Sriwijaya noted that such actions damage the image of the national defence institution and erode public trust.
Pomdam II/Sriwijaya stated that any soldiers violating this prohibition will face firm disciplinary action. Military operations targeting nightclubs will be conducted routinely, both undercover and in the open, without exception.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 16 May 2026, when a TNI soldier was fatally shot by a fellow serviceman at a cafe in Palembang. Lieutenant Colonel Inf Yordania, Head of Information for Kodam II/Sriwijaya, identified the deceased as Private FAA, a soldier from the Palembang Regional Health Detachment, while the suspect, identified by the initials MRR, holds the rank of Sergeant First Class.
Yordania explained that the shooting began while both soldiers were at the nightclub. A dispute and physical altercation broke out, allegedly triggered by personal issues. “In that situation, the suspect allegedly used a makeshift firearm and discharged a shot that struck the victim,” Yordania stated in a written briefing on Monday, 18 May 2026.
The victim was pronounced dead at 03:45 after being rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. He was subsequently buried with military honours at the Sematang Borang Public Cemetery in Palembang on Saturday afternoon.
The Military Police of Kodam II/Sriwijaya have arrested the suspect along with a civilian, identified as DS, who is suspected of helping to hide the makeshift firearm used in the crime at his residence. The Military Police Detachment has conducted a crime scene investigation, interviewed 21 witnesses, and secured CCTV footage from the location. Preliminary autopsy results confirmed that the victim died from a gunshot wound that caused severe bleeding in vital organs.