Two Civilians Hit by Stray Bullets During TNI Military Drill

The XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol Military Regional Command (Kodam) has confirmed that two civilians, one of whom is a student at Padang State University (UNP), were hit by stray bullets on Tuesday afternoon at approximately 17:05 WIB.

‘It is true that there was an incident involving two of our fellow citizens who were allegedly hit by stray bullets,’ stated Colonel Kav Taufiq, Head of Information for Kodam XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol, in Padang on Tuesday night. He confirmed that the 897/Singgalang Infantry Battalion was conducting training at the time of the incident. However, authorities have not yet been able to confirm whether the bullets originated from the TNI unit.

‘The TNI is currently gathering information and conducting an investigation regarding the incident,’ he added.

The injured student and another civilian were initially rushed to a private hospital before being transferred to dr. Reksodiwiryo Hospital (a military hospital) for surgery to remove the projectiles.

Erianjoni, the Secretary of UNP, also confirmed that a student was hit by gunfire near the university campus. He noted that the incident occurred near the rectorate area in the afternoon, shortly after students were celebrating the results of their proposal seminars. The student, from the Sociology Department, sustained a wound to her thigh or leg. Another civilian, a family member of a student who was present on campus, was also hit by the stray bullets. The university administration is currently assisting the injured student, who is receiving intensive care at a private hospital in Padang.