The Case of the TNI Soldier Shot Dead by Fellow Soldier in Palembang Cafe
Pratu Ferischal Alfarizky Abelsa, a member of the Palembang Military Health Office (Denkesyah) under the Sriwijaya II Regional Military Command (Kodam), was killed following a shooting by a fellow Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldier at a cafe in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Saturday (16/5).
The bloody incident began during an altercation at the cafe around 02:30 WIB. Pratu BI and Sertu MRR were involved in a dispute regarding personal matters, which escalated into a physical fight. “Feeling cornered, MRR allegedly produced a makeshift firearm and opened fire, hitting Pratu Ferischal,” stated the Head of the Indonesian Army’s Public Relations, Brigadier General Donny Pramono, in a statement on Sunday (17/5).
Following the incident, the victim was rushed to Permata Palembang Hospital, but was pronounced dead at 03:45 WIB. The Commander of the Sriwijaya II Regional Military Command immediately intervened to investigate the shooting. Following the investigation, two individuals were apprehended: Sertu MRR and a civilian identified by the initials DS, who is suspected of concealing the firearm evidence.
“The suspect, Sertu MRR, was secured while at the parking area of Bhayangkara Hospital. The perpetrator and witnesses are currently being held at Madenpom II/4 for further examination,” said Donny.
Donny explained that Denpom II/4 Palembang has conducted a crime scene investigation, interviewed 21 witnesses, secured CCTV footage, and coordinated with Bhayangkara Hospital for an autopsy. The autopsy results revealed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the lower right abdomen that penetrated the liver and the left lobe of the lung, causing severe haemorrhaging.
The makeshift firearm, a lighter-type improvised weapon, was discovered at the residence of DS in the Srimulya area, Sematang Borang, on Saturday night at 20:15 WIB.
Furthermore, Donny noted that the Commander of the Sriwijaya II Regional Military Command has ordered the Intelligence Assistant of the Regional Military Commander and the Military Police Commander to handle the case thoroughly. The case files for MRR will be transferred to the Otmil I-05 Plg military court, while the case against DS will be referred to the Palembang City Police.
“We can inform you that the military funeral service for the late Pratu Ferischal Alfarizky Abelsa was held on Saturday afternoon at 17:45 WIB at the Sematang Borang Cemetery, Palembang, in a solemn manner,” he concluded.