Teenager Shot Dead by Police in Makassar as Polri Headquarters Says It Is Reviewing Firearm Use

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) Headquarters says it will conduct an internal evaluation of firearm use by officers after the shooting that killed 18-year-old Bertrand Eka Prasetyo in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The evaluation approach was outlined by Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, head of the Public Information Bureau in the Polri Public Relations Division. He stated that the evaluation process is conducted continuously in every operational activity, including the use of firearms.

‘The evaluation process is continuous,’ he said on Thursday, 5 March 2026. ‘In every step of operational activity and in policing development, there is something called analysis and evaluation.’ He added that the internal evaluation mechanism is layered, covering the planning stage, the execution of activities, and the period after those activities have concluded. According to Trunoyudo, the evaluation is part of Polri’s management oversight to ensure all operational activities run optimally in accordance with applicable rules.

‘So the evaluation activities are ongoing. There is a function that provides management-level oversight, as well as those who supervise technical functions and administrative matters,’ he said.

Separately, Polri confirmed that the criminal process against Iptu N continues. The officer has been named a suspect and is being held in custody by Polrestabes Makassar.

‘The criminal process step is that he has been named a suspect and remains in custody by Polresta Makassar,’ he added.

Earlier reports stated that Bertrand died after being shot by a police officer during an arrest in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The incident occurred after the victim was allegedly involved in a brawl using gel ammunition toy weapons. Makassar City Police Chief, Police Commissioner Arya Perdana, confirmed the incident. It happened on Sunday, 1 March 2026. The Rapocini Sector Police Chief reported via handheld radio (HT) that a group of teenagers were suspected of playing with toy rifles on the street and disturbing residents. According to the report, the youths blocked road users and allegedly shoved and kicked passing motorists.