Stray Bullet Case in Gresik: KPAI Urges Fulfilment of Restitution Rights

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has emphasised the protection of victims and the fulfilment of restitution rights in the handling of the suspected stray bullet case that injured two children by a TNI AL member in Gresik Regency, East Java.

“Do not allow any weakening that results in the child victims experiencing repeated victimisation. We also demand that the victims’ restitution rights and protection must not be ignored,” said KPAI member Dian Sasmita when contacted in Jakarta on Monday.

KPAI continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), the East Java Provincial Women’s and Children’s Protection Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD PPA), the Gresik Regency UPT PPA, and law enforcement apparatus to ensure that recovery handling and legal processes favour the child victims.

“We continue to coordinate with them to ensure the legal process favours the child victims,” said Dian Sasmita.

“We respect the ongoing legal process and encourage it to be carried out professionally, transparently, and to provide justice for the victims by prioritising the best interests of the child,” said Acting Deputy for Special Child Protection at the Ministry of PPPA, Indra Gunawan.

He stated that the physical condition of the two victims is still in the recovery phase following surgery to remove the bullet and install pins.

“The physical condition of the two victims is still in the recovery phase post-surgery to remove the bullet and install pins, but the mental condition cannot yet be comprehensively assessed, thus requiring further assessment,” said Indra Gunawan.

Meanwhile, approximately 2.3 kilometres from the victims’ school, there is a TNI AL shooting range where routine shooting exercises were taking place at the time.

Following the incident, the two victims were immediately rushed to Siti Khodijah Sepanjang Hospital in East Java for intensive treatment. X-ray results revealed a bullet lodged in the left hand of DF and in the right back of RO. Victims DF and RO subsequently underwent major surgery to remove the bullets.

DF suffered a broken bone in his left palm and had a pin installed.