TNI Soldier Beats Civilian to Death, Battalion Commander Apologises

Battalion Infantry Commander (Danyonif) 733/Masariku has conveyed apologies for the beating incident by one of its soldiers that resulted in a civilian’s death in Umaloya Village, Sanana, North Maluku. Battalion Commander (Danyonif) 733/Masariku Lt Col Inf M. Aminulah has extended his deepest apologies to all levels of society for the public disturbance caused by the incident. He also expressed profound condolences to the victim’s family. “On behalf of myself and the entire Yonif 733/Masariku family, I convey the deepest condolences to the family of the late Sukra Umagafur. We feel the sorrow experienced by the family, and we pray that the deceased receives the best place by the side of the Almighty God,” Aminulah stated in Sanana, North Maluku, on Friday (27/3). He explained that, based on initial reports, the incident on Sunday (22/3) stemmed from a dispute between youths. The soldier’s younger brother, initialled Pratu SB, was involved in a fight with the victim’s younger brother. The dispute escalated when a group from the victim’s family arrived at Pratu SB’s house in an emotional state and protested loudly in front of the house while the soldier was on Lebaran leave. On the way home, Pratu SB’s younger brother was allegedly stopped and mobbed by a group of people influenced by alcohol. Pratu SB, witnessing the event, tried to intervene by hugging his brother but ended up being targeted with blows to the head and neck. In a desperate situation, Pratu SB retaliated with a punch that struck the victim’s face, causing him to fall and hit the back of his head on the asphalt. The victim was rushed to Sanana General Hospital before being declared dead. The battalion commander emphasised that the TNI is an institution born from the people and for the people, so any actions by soldiers that harm those values will be handled seriously. “We assure that the TNI will never cover up the facts. However, let us give space to the relevant parties to work on the facts in a complete and objective manner,” he asserted. He also regretted the vigilante actions by a group of residents who intimidated and damaged the soldier’s private home. According to him, such anarchic actions are legal violations that should not occur in society. Currently, Pratu SB has been secured at the Sanana Military District Command and will subsequently be handed over to the Ternate Detachment XV/1 Military Police for legal proceedings in accordance with applicable military regulations. The battalion commander urged the public, especially in the Sanana area, to remain calm, not be provoked by unverified information, and trust the authorities to handle the case to maintain a conducive situation.