The Story of Aipda Arno, a Police Officer in NTT Who Knelt While Weeping to Quell Community Clashes

A heroic and moving gesture came from an Aipda Arladius Modestus Arno, a Bhabinkamtibmas (community policing officer) at Manggarai Police Resort, during an intense confrontation between rival community groups on the Trans Flores highway in East Nusa Tenggara. Rather than rely on his police authority, he chose to lay aside his uniform’s prestige by kneeling and weeping before the warring residents.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, 16 March, when residents from Gendang Kaca and Gendang Bung Leko villages became embroiled in open conflict that threatened lives.

“The situation was becoming increasingly volatile, with both groups unwilling to settle the matter peacefully,” said Aipda Arno on Wednesday, 17 March.

Arno explained that his decision to kneel was entirely spontaneous. For him, the residents from both conflicting groups were not merely objects of his duty, but family.

“For me, they are my brothers and sisters. During my patrols, they often invite me to eat at their homes, and we share stories and spend time together. Seeing them fight, I felt deeply disappointed and sad,” Arno recalled.

The police officer’s spontaneous plea, accompanied by tears, proved effective in softening the hearts of the young men consumed by emotion. The conflict gradually subsided at the scene. Nevertheless, Arno humbly attributed the cessation of the clash to the collective efforts of his fellow officers in the field.

Kombes Henry Novika Chandra, Head of Public Relations for the East Nusa Tenggara Police Regional Office, commended the actions of his officer. He emphasised that the Indonesian National Police consistently prioritises persuasive and humanistic approaches in addressing potential conflicts.

“Our personnel in the field always emphasise dialogue and humanity. The goal is to prevent violence and ensure public safety remains the primary concern,” Henry explained.

To date, police continue to maintain surveillance and issue appeals to prevent residents from being easily provoked. The incident in Bula Village serves as evidence that behind the uniforms of officers lies a conscience striving to maintain peace through a sense of brotherhood.