Yusril: Brimob Officer Who Assaulted Child in Maluku Must Face Ethics and Criminal Proceedings
Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has stated that Bripda MS, a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer suspected of assaulting a child to death in Tual, Maluku, must be brought before an ethics hearing and tried in criminal court.
“In principle, in this nation governed by law, no one is above the law. Law enforcement officers must also be punished if they break the law,” Yusril said in an official statement received in Jakarta on Sunday (22 February).
Yusril expressed deep concern over the death of the victim, AT (14), in the incident. He deeply regretted the event that claimed the life of the Islamic junior secondary school (madrasah tsanawiyah) student.
“Personally and in my capacity as Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights and a member of the Police Reform Committee, I am deeply concerned and regret that this incident occurred. I convey my profound condolences over the passing of AT,” he said.
According to Yusril, MS’s actions exceeded the bounds of humanity. Police, he stressed, are state apparatus and law enforcers obligated to protect every life, whether of suspected criminals or crime victims.
“If a rogue police officer assaults someone, particularly a child who is not even suspected of committing any offence, then such action is truly beyond the bounds of humanity,” he said.
He expressed appreciation for the Maluku Regional Police and National Police Headquarters, which he said responded swiftly to the case. He noted that National Police Headquarters’ apology over the incident demonstrated a shift towards a more humble attitude.
Furthermore, Yusril said the local police precinct had also taken swift action by detaining Bripda MS and examining and naming him a suspect.
He further emphasised that the Police Reform Acceleration Committee continues to discuss improvements to the police force’s image, encompassing recruitment patterns, education, discipline and oversight.
“The Committee is now finalising the final report on key reform recommendations for the police to be submitted to the President,” he said.
The Tual Police Precinct in Maluku has named Bripda MS as a suspect in the alleged assault that resulted in the death of the child identified as AT (14).
“The investigation process has now been elevated from preliminary to full investigation, and Bripda MS’s status has been upgraded from reported person to suspect,” said Tual Police Chief Senior Commissioner Whansi Des Asmoro, contacted from Ambon on Saturday (21 February).
The incident began when a Brimob patrol conducted a security operation using a tactical vehicle in the Tual City and Southeast Maluku Regency areas 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 (WIT), before moving 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, Bripda MS 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.
Bripda MS reportedly swung a tactical helmet as a signal. However, the helmet struck AT’s right temple, causing the victim to fall from his motorcycle face down.
The victim was rushed to Karel Sadsuitubun Regional General Hospital in Langgur for medical treatment. However, at 13:00 WIT, the victim was pronounced dead.
Bripda MS has been charged under Article 76C in conjunction with Article 80 paragraph (3) of Law Number 35 of 2014 on Child Protection, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.
Additionally, the suspect has been charged under Article 466 of Law Number 1 of 2023 on the National Criminal Code, relating to assault resulting in death, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.