TNI Soldier Shot Dead by Fellow Soldier Following Altercation at Cafe

A soldier from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) died after being shot by a fellow military personnel in the early hours of Saturday, 16 May 2026. The incident occurred at a cafe in the Palembang region, South Sumatra.

The Head of Information for the Sriwijaya Military Regional Command (Kodam) II, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Yordania, stated that the deceased, identified by the initials Pratu FAA, was a soldier from the Palembang Regional Health Detachment under Kodam II/Sriwijaya. The suspect, identified by the initials MRR, holds the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Lieutenant Colonel Yordania explained that the shooting began while both soldiers were at a nightlife venue. He noted that a dispute and physical altercation broke out between the two soldiers, allegedly triggered by personal issues. “In that situation, the suspect allegedly used an improvised firearm and discharged a shot that struck the victim,” Yordania said in a written statement, reported on Monday, 18 May 2026.

The victim was pronounced dead at 03:45, after being rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The victim was subsequently buried with military honours at the Sematang Borang Public Cemetery in Palembang on Saturday afternoon, 16 May 2026.

He further noted that the Military Police of Kodam II/Sriwijaya has arrested the suspect along with a civilian, identified by the initials DS. The civilian is suspected of involvement in hiding the improvised firearm used by the TNI soldier at his residence.

The Sriwijaya Military Police Detachment has conducted a crime scene investigation, examined 21 witnesses, and secured CCTV footage from the location. Preliminary autopsy results have also been completed.

“Based on the preliminary autopsy results, the victim died from a gunshot wound that caused severe bleeding in vital organs,” he said.

Yordania stated that his unit has instructed the Assistant Intelligence of the Chief of Staff of Kodam II/Sriwijaya to handle the case of the soldier shooting his fellow soldier professionally, transparently, and thoroughly in accordance with the law. “We are committed to taking firm action against any legal violations involving our soldiers,” he added.