Yusril Deplores Brimob Officer's Fatal Assault on Student: Must Face Ethics and Criminal Proceedings

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections (Menko Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra has expressed deep concern over the incident involving a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer, Brigadier MS, who assaulted a student to death in Tual, Maluku. Yusril conveyed his condolences over the victim’s passing.

“Both personally and as Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights who also serves as a member of the National Police Reform Committee, I am deeply concerned and regret that this incident occurred. I extend my profound condolences over the death of Arianto Tawakal,” said Yusril in a written statement quoted on Monday (23/2/2026).

Yusril stated that Brigadier MS’s actions were truly inhumane. He emphasised that police officers are state apparatus obligated to provide protection to every citizen, whether suspected perpetrators of crime or, all the more so, victims of crime.

“If a rogue police officer assaults someone, particularly a child who is not even suspected of any wrongdoing, then such actions are truly beyond the bounds of humanity,” Yusril stressed.

He urged strict sanctions against Brigadier MS. Yusril requested that the case be investigated on two fronts: the perpetrator should be brought before an ethics hearing with the threat of dismissal from the police force, and the perpetrator should be tried in criminal court with appropriate criminal penalties.

“In principle, in this state governed by law, no one is above the law. Law enforcement officers must also be punished if they break the law,” he said.

Nevertheless, Yusril expressed appreciation to the Maluku Regional Police and National Police Headquarters for their swift response to the assault case in Tual. National Police Headquarters is known to have issued an apology over the unfortunate incident.

According to Yusril, this demonstrates a shift in the National Police’s attitude towards greater humility and willingness to apologise when its members commit errors. Furthermore, the Southeast Maluku District Police were also praised for acting quickly by detaining Brigadier MS, examining him, and declaring him a suspect.

Additionally, Yusril affirmed that the Police Reform Acceleration Committee continues to pursue efforts to improve the police force’s image. These discussions encompass various important aspects, including recruitment patterns, education, discipline and oversight.

“The Committee is now finalising its final report on the key reform proposals for the National Police to be submitted to the President,” said Yusril.

National Police Chief Orders Thorough Investigation

Previously, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo expressed anger upon hearing of the incident involving a Brimob officer, Brigadier MS, who assaulted a student with the initials AT to death in Tual, Maluku. General Sigit stated that the incident severely tarnished the dignity of the Brimob institution, which should be protecting the public.

“Just like the victim’s family and the public, I am angry to hear that this incident occurred. This clearly tarnishes the dignity of the Brimob institution, which should be protecting the public,” General Sigit told reporters on Monday (23/2).

General Sigit conveyed his deepest condolences to the victim’s family over the incident. He affirmed that he had ordered a thorough investigation into the case to ensure the perpetrator receives a commensurate punishment.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the entire victim’s family and the public over this incident,” he said.

“I have ordered that the case be thoroughly investigated and that a commensurate punishment be ensured for the perpetrator, upholding justice for the victim’s family,” he added.