Teenager Shot by Police, Urged to Review SOP on Firearm Use

Abdullah, a member of the House of Representatives Commission III, urged the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to review the standard operating procedure (SOP) for firearms use by police officers. His call came in response to the death of an 18-year-old who was shot by police in Makassar, South Sulawesi. ‘The police must be professional and proportional. The use of firearms must not be done arbitrarily because the risks are substantial to public safety. This should be a momentum for a comprehensive review of field firearm procedures,’ Abdullah said in a statement on Thursday (5 March 2026).

The SOP states firearms should be used only as a last resort when faced with a threat to life. The Makassar case adds to the long list of violence by authorities using firearms against civilians. He urged Polri to tighten supervision, training, and discipline of officers licensed to carry firearms to prevent similar incidents. ‘Law enforcement must be carried out fairly. We will continue to monitor to ensure the legal process is objective and to provide justice for the victims’ families. Every action by an officer must be based on accountability,’ Abdullah said. ‘Procedural carelessness should not result in the loss of civilian life.’ He called for Polri to thoroughly investigate the shooting to avoid public speculation. ‘This case must be investigated comprehensively and transparently. If negligence or procedural violations are found, the perpetrators must face strict sanctions. There must be no impression of impunity towards the authorities,’ Abdullah said.

IPTU N has been named a suspect after police investigations into the general crime involved in the case. The incident occurred involving an 18-year-old youth on Toddopuli Raya Street, Panakkukang District, Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Sunday (1 March 2026). According to information obtained, the incident occurred while Bertrand and several other youths were involved in a melee using water jelly gun toys around 07:00 local time. IPTU N then went to the scene to disperse the crowd and secure Bertrand. However, during the security operation, the firearm in IPTU N’s possession discharged. ‘When writhing, the pistol still in IPTU N’s hand discharged accidentally, hitting the back part of the body,’ said Makassar Police Chief Kombes Pol Arya Perdana.