Stray Bullet Incident Involving SMP Students in Gresik: Indonesian Navy States Origin of Bullet Cannot Yet Be Confirmed

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has issued a statement regarding the stray bullet incident that struck two students from SMPN 33 in Gresik, East Java, on 17 December 2025.

Legal Officer of the 2nd Combat Support Regiment (Banpur), Major Ahmad Fauzi, stated that to date, his side has not been able to confirm the origin of the bullet projectile.

“Even though to this day it cannot be confirmed that the bullet came from the Marine Corps. Further investigation and in-depth examination are still needed,” Fauzi said in his official statement received by Kompas.com on Thursday (2/4/2026).

He asked all parties to respect the ongoing investigation process and not to rush to conclusions.

“To date, the in-depth process by the authorised parties is still ongoing. Therefore, the principle of presumption of innocence must still be upheld,” Fauzi said.

He emphasised that every military activity involving firearms is conducted under strict supervision.

Since receiving the report, the Marine Corps has immediately moved to coordinate, conduct field investigations, and inspect the incident site.

“Since receiving information about the incident, the unit quickly moved to coordinate and conduct field investigations, visited the school location, and ensured that both victims received medical treatment,” Fauzi said.

He also stated that the Indonesian Navy has taken responsibility for the victims’ emergency medical handling at the hospital.

However, the mother of one victim, Dewi Murniati, stated that post-operative follow-up costs were only covered once.

“My child has had six follow-ups to this day. So the remaining five I covered myself, including physical therapy and my child’s forensic psychological examination, which I covered myself,” Dewi said.

Fauzi added that his side remains open to communication to resolve this matter in a familial manner.