UMY Expert Says Brimob Case in Maluku Requires Independent Team

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) — Criminal law expert from Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY), Trisno Raharjo, has stated that the handling of the case involving a Brimob (Mobile Brigade) officer alleged to have assaulted a student in Maluku requires the involvement of an independent team.

Trisno said the participation of an independent team is essential to ensure the objectivity of the investigation, given that the suspect is a police officer.

“The handling of this case must be conducted openly and transparently,” he said in Yogyakarta on Monday.

According to him, the involvement of an independent team could also strengthen public trust in the outcome of law enforcement proceedings.

“I encourage intensive communication between investigators and prosecutors, and if necessary, the involvement of human rights activists in the case review process to ensure accountability,” Trisno said.

Trisno explained that the legal construction of the case would heavily depend on the investigation’s findings.

He noted there are two possibilities regarding the case: a criminal offence resulting in death due to negligence, or murder if intentional elements are proven.

“Based on preliminary observations, the direction could lead towards murder, particularly given the violent act of using a helmet against a child who was riding a motorcycle. However, reaching a murder charge is not straightforward and must be strongly substantiated,” he explained.

He assessed that proving the element of intent is the crucial point, requiring investigators to examine whether the perpetrator was aware that his actions could potentially cause death, especially as the victim was riding at a certain speed.

Additionally, Trisno questioned whether the patrol and the handling of the situation were consistent with Brimob’s core duties and functions, particularly if the area was in a normal state.

“If this was not within Brimob’s remit and the situation did not involve major unrest, then such actions could fall into the category of abuse of authority,” he said.

Trisno stated that the perpetrator’s status as a police officer should serve as an aggravating factor rather than a mitigating one, as law enforcement officers bear greater moral and legal responsibility than civilians.

Previously, according to the chronology provided by the police, the incident began when a Brimob patrol was conducting a security operation using a tactical vehicle in the Tual City and Southeast Maluku Regency area in the early hours of Thursday (19 February).

The patrol was initially stationed at the Mangga Dua Complex in Langgur until approximately 02:00 Eastern Indonesian Time. It then moved to Fiditan Village in Tual City after receiving a report from residents regarding an alleged assault near the Tete Pancing area.

Upon arriving at the location, the suspect and several other officers disembarked from the vehicle and conducted security measures. Approximately 10 minutes later, two motorcycles were travelling at high speed from the direction of Ngadi towards Tete Pancing.

The suspect reportedly swung a tactical helmet as a signal. However, the helmet struck the right temple of the victim, AT (14), causing the victim to fall from the motorcycle face down.

The victim was then rushed to Karel Sadsuitubun Regional General Hospital in Langgur for medical treatment. However, at 13:00 Eastern Indonesian Time, the victim was pronounced dead.