The Indonesian National Police Say It Always Evaluates Officers’ Use of Firearms

The Indonesian National Police claim it continually evaluates officers’ use of firearms during duty, including after the incident in which a teenager died in Makassar, South Sulawesi. ‘Every step in operational activities and police training includes something called analysis and evaluation,’ said Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Head of Public Relations at the Polri Public Relations Division, to reporters on Thursday 5 March. Trunoyudo said the evaluation is conducted at every stage, from the pre-planning, through execution, to post-activity review. He added that across all police work units there is supervisory oversight in management as well as technical and administrative review of all officer actions. ‘Of course police steps continue to evaluate all activities,’ he said. On the other hand, Trunoyudo confirmed that criminal and ethical processes against the perpetrators have also been carried out by Makassar City Police (Polresta Makassar). He said the perpetrator has been named a suspect and is being detained. ‘In line with this, the ethics code will be observed by the person involved, and this is a matter of joint concern. Therefore steps should be taken quickly and promptly to follow up with the perpetrators,’ he added. Earlier, a teenager named Bertrand Eka Prasetyo (18) died after reportedly being shot by police who were dispersing a melee using toy guns with gel pellets in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Makassar City Police Chief, Kombes Pol Arya Perdana, said the incident occurred last Sunday 1 March, and was being handled by his department. The suspect and the weapon have been secured by internal authorities. Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting occurred accidentally while the officers were protecting the victim. ‘The incident happened on Sunday,’ said Makassar City Police Chief, Kombes Arya Perdana to reporters on Wednesday 4 March.