Stray Bullet Incidents at Padang State University Have Occurred Four Times
The recent case of stray bullets at the Padang State University (UNP) campus, which left two people injured on Tuesday, is not the first occurrence. Based on gathered information, similar incidents have happened four times, including the recent event on Tuesday. Previous cases of stray bullets were recorded in 2010, 2017, and 2020.
In 2010, a stray bullet injured a Sociology student named Astuti. In 2017, a stray bullet damaged a window on the third floor of the UNP Rectorate building. The bullet pierced the building’s glass at night when there was no activity inside, and police discovered two bullet projectiles on the floor. In February 2020, another incident involving a stray bullet hit the glass of the UNP Rectorate building, where 5.56mm projectiles were found on the third floor of the LP2M building.
UNP Secretary, Erianjoni, acknowledged the repeated incidents, stating, “Yes, I do not remember the exact details, but it can be seen in the digital records.”
The Spokesperson for Kodam XX Tuanku Imam Bonjol, Lt. Col. Kav Taufiq, confirmed the suspicion of stray bullets hitting students at UNP. However, authorities are still conducting an investigation to determine the source of the gunfire. “It is true that there was an incident where two of our citizens were hit by stray bullets, but it has not yet been confirmed whether the bullets originated from our Kodam members during training or not,” he stated.
He added that a shooting practice session was being conducted from morning until afternoon at the time. “The training by the Singgalang DTP Battalion used long-barreled weapons from morning until afternoon. The training location is approximately 800 metres from the campus,” he said. Regarding the recurring nature of these incidents, Taufiq stated that the TNI would conduct an evaluation. He noted that while the firing range meets technical standards in terms of width and height, an evaluation is necessary.
Currently, the TNI is focusing on victim care and further investigation, pledging to cover all medical expenses until the victims recover. Meanwhile, UNP Public Relations explained that the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon around 5:00 PM WIB. The bullets are suspected to have originated from the TNI shooting practice site in Lapai, located 800 metres from the UNP main campus in Air Tawar, Padang.
“As a result of this accident, two victims were hit: Nova Wirantika (25), a Sociology Education student at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FIS) UNP, and Guruh Guino, a friend of a UNP student. Both victims were sitting with friends in the plaza in front of the UNP Rectorate,” UNP reported.
The Rector of UNP, Krismadinata, who was near the scene, immediately coordinated with the Commander of Kodam XX Tuanku Imam Bonjol, the 133rd Battalion Commander, KABINDA, and the Padang Utara Police. UNP’s medical team rushed the victims to Hermina Padang Hospital using a university ambulance. Nova Wirantika had to undergo surgery as a bullet casing remained lodged in her left thigh. Guruh Guino was treated by medical teams and moved to the RS Tentara Rekso Sudiryo Ganting Padang for recovery. The Commander of Kodam Tuanku Imam Bonjol, Major General TNI Arief Gajah Mada, along with other military officials and doctors, provided immediate assistance at the hospital.