Two Police Officers Suspected of Beating Civilians, Belu Police Chief Apologises
The Belu Police Residency (Polres) has come under public scrutiny after a resident, identified as AR, reported that two police officers allegedly assaulted him at the Belu Police Headquarters (Mako Polres Belu). In response, Belu Police Chief Ajun Komisaris Besar (AKB) I Gede Eka Putra Astawa publicly apologised and pledged a thorough and transparent investigation.
The incident began in the early hours of Thursday, 28 May, around 1:45 am Wita, when police received a Call Centre 110 report about a group of youths consuming alcohol and disturbing residents in Dusun Lalosuk, Desa Manleten, Tasifeto Timur District. Officers detained AR and a companion, JS, who were suspected to be under the influence of alcohol. Tensions escalated during transport to the police station, with AR and JS reportedly making provocative remarks towards the officers. The situation worsened at the Belu Police Headquarters around 2:20 am Wita, where AR allegedly continued causing disturbances despite warnings.
“The actions of the officers involved are currently being investigated by the Propam and Satreskrim units of Polres Belu to determine if there were any lapses or procedural violations during the detention process,” stated AKB I Gede Eka Putra Astawa on Saturday, 30 May.
AR sustained a cut above his left eye and bruises on his back due to the incident at the police station. Dissatisfied with the treatment, he filed an official report under case number LP/B/136/V/2026/SPKT/POLRES BELU/POLDA NTT. Police have also obtained a Visum et Repertum report as supporting evidence.
In addition to the formal complaint, an amateur video recorded by the victim went viral on social media, showing AR displaying his bleeding eye while questioning the officers about the violence he endured.
The Belu Police Chief emphasised that the force will not cover up any wrongdoing by its personnel. The two implicated officers are currently undergoing intensive questioning by the Propam unit of Polres Belu. “We assure that this case will be handled professionally, transparently, and in accordance with applicable legal procedures,” Astawa concluded.