Yonif 733/Masariku apologises for soldier beating civilian to death
Ternate (ANTARA) - The Infantry Battalion (Danyonif) 733/Masariku has expressed apologies for an assault by one of its soldiers that resulted in the death of a civilian in Umaloya Village, Sanana, North Maluku.
The Commander of Infantry Battalion (Danyonif) 733/Masariku, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry M. Aminulah, in Sanana, North Maluku, on Friday, conveyed the utmost apologies to all levels of society for the public disturbance caused by the incident. He also extended deep condolences to the victim’s family.
“On behalf of myself and the entire extended family of Yonif 733/Masariku, I convey the deepest condolences to the family of the late Sukra Umagafur. We feel the sadness experienced by the family, and we pray that the deceased receives the best place by the side of Almighty God,” he stated.
He explained that, based on initial reports, the incident on Sunday, 22 March 2026, began with a dispute between youths. The younger brother of the soldier with initials Private SB was involved in a fight with the victim’s younger brother.
The dispute then escalated when a group from the victim’s family arrived at Private SB’s house in an emotional state and staged a fierce protest in front of the house while the soldier was on Lebaran leave.
According to him, on the way home, Private SB’s younger brother was allegedly stopped and mobbed by a group of people influenced by alcohol. Private SB, who witnessed the incident, attempted to intervene by hugging his brother but ended up becoming a target of blows to the head and neck.
In a desperate situation, Private SB then retaliated with a punch that struck the victim’s face, causing him to fall and hit the back of his head on the asphalt. The victim was rushed to Sanana Hospital before being pronounced dead.
The battalion commander emphasised that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is an institution born from the people and for the people, so any actions by soldiers that harm those values will be handled seriously.
“We assure that the TNI will never cover up the facts. However, let us give space to the relevant parties to work on the facts in a complete and objective manner,” he asserted.
He also regretted the vigilante actions by a group of villagers who intimidated and damaged the soldier’s private home. According to him, such anarchic actions are violations of the law that should not occur in society.
Currently, Private SB has been secured at the Sanana Military District Command and will subsequently be handed over to the Ternate Detachment XV/1 Military Police for legal proceedings in accordance with applicable military regulations.
The battalion commander urged the public, especially in the Sanana area, to remain calm, not to be provoked by unverified information, and to trust the authorities in handling this case to maintain a conducive situation.