Tual Police Chief Apologises to Family of Student Killed by Brimob Officer
Tual Police Chief AKBP Whansi Des Asmoro and Maluku Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) Commander Kombes Pol Irfan visited the mourning family of AT, a 14-year-old state Islamic secondary school (MTsN) student who died after being assaulted by Brimob officer Bripda MS, on Friday morning (20 February).
The police chief’s entourage was received by the victim’s family in Vitditan Village, North Bula Subdistrict, Tual City, Maluku. During the meeting, the Tual Police Chief apologised to the family of the late AT.
Asmoro promised the family he would ensure a thorough investigation into the matter. He urged the family to trust the police and leave the case in their hands.
Asmoro and Irfan shook hands and embraced members of the victim’s family. In tears, the victim’s father, Rijik Fikri Tawakal, demanded that Bripda MS receive the heaviest possible sentence.
Rijik further requested that the case be investigated openly and transparently, warning that any perceived delay in handling the matter could trigger further problems and wider unrest.
“As a parent, I demand this matter be dealt with as fairly as possible. My only fear is that new problems will arise — that the family may take action beyond rational thinking,” he said.
Bripda MS, a member of Brimob Company 1, Pioneer Battalion C, was named a suspect following a case review on Friday evening (20 February).
Bripda MS had assaulted AT, a student at the Southeast Maluku State Islamic Secondary School, resulting in the boy’s death on Thursday morning (19 February). Bripda MS was immediately placed in the Tual Police detention facility.
Asmoro stated that several items of evidence had been secured, including a tactical helmet, motorcycles, and equipment attached to the helmet.
“We have secured Bripda MS’s tactical helmet, two motorcycles, the victim’s motorcycle key, and other equipment from the helmet,” Asmoro said at a press conference on Saturday (21 February).
The police are currently coordinating with the Maluku Police’s Professional and Security Division regarding disciplinary action against Bripda MS, as the officer faces both criminal proceedings and a code of ethics review.
Bripda MS had initially been classified as a witness and reported party before his status was elevated to suspect following marathon examinations of 14 witnesses from both the victim’s family and Brimob personnel present at the scene.
The officer has been charged under Article 35 in conjunction with Article 14 of the amendment to Law Number 23 of 2002 on Child Protection, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment. Bripda MS has also been charged under Article 474, Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.