Tragic Death: Indonesian Navy Soldier Dies After Being Beaten Dozens of Times by Senior Officer
Indonesia’s military has suffered another tragedy. A petty officer of the Indonesian Navy, Serda Ade Ardiyan Rahmadana, died while participating in an orientation activity aboard KRI Kujang-642, a fast patrol vessel unit (Satkat) of Naval Fleet Command I (Koarmada I).
The soldier is believed to have died as a result of excessive physical violence inflicted by several senior officers. The incident is reported to have occurred during an orientation activity that was known to the ship’s officers.
Funeral in Padang Pariaman
A solemn atmosphere blanketed Korong Pauah, Sicincin Village, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra. Family members wept as Serda Ade Ardiyan Rahmadana was laid to rest in a military funeral procession. The soldier, born in 2002, returned to his hometown in a coffin, leaving deep grief among his family and fellow soldiers.
According to a report from Naval Fleet Command I’s intelligence unit, Serda Ade died on 27 February 2026. In an amateur video circulating online, the victim appeared severely weakened and had to be supported by fellow soldiers at Sakera Beach, Tanjung Uban, Riau Islands Province.
Post-Mortem Findings and Senior Officers’ Confession
Post-mortem examination revealed extensive bruising from blunt force trauma to the victim’s back and buttocks. Two senior officers, identified as Serda AS and Serda SS, admitted to beating the victim with a water hose dozens of times. Their stated motive was revenge, as they claimed to have experienced similar treatment when they were junior soldiers.
Notably, the orientation activity was reportedly known to and approved by the commanding officer and several officers aboard KRI Kujang-642. Despite the victim losing consciousness at the training site, medical treatment was only administered after he arrived at BK Fasharkan Mentigi, already unresponsive.
Family Demands Full Investigation
The victim’s family expressed deep distress over the incident. They noted that they first learned of the tragic news through social media and from fellow soldiers rather than from official military channels, which they felt was considerably delayed.
“We are deeply saddened by what happened to our son. He left to serve his nation, not to be treated in this manner. We urge the relevant authorities, the Navy Chief of Staff, to conduct a thorough investigation and provide justice,” said Bujang Juarman, Serda Ade’s uncle, in Padang Pariaman on Sunday, 1 March 2026.