Angel Doris
AMBON — A student was reported dead after allegedly being assaulted by a member of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) in Ambon, Maluku, earlier this week. This tragic incident, which sparked public outrage, immediately drew a serious response from the Indonesian National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri), whose spokesperson issued an apology and promised a transparent investigation. The event adds to a long list of concerns over alleged police violence, raising big questions about law enforcement accountability.
The victim, Rian (a pseudonym, 16), was found lifeless with multiple bruises on his body after being seen in a confrontation with several uniformed individuals near a public area. His family reported the case to the local police, demanding justice and a thorough investigation into Rian’s death, which they believe was not the result of an ordinary accident.
Initial information from an eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous stated that Rian got into an argument with two people wearing Brimob (Mobile Brigade) uniforms. The confrontation ended in physical violence, which had fatal consequences for the high school student. People living near the scene were worried about the incident and hoped the authorities would take firm action against those breaking the law.
The Indonesian National Police Headquarters, through the Head of the Public Relations Division, Inspector General Dr. Sandi Permana, S.I.K., M.Sc., expressed deep regret over the incident. In a press conference in Jakarta, Dr. Sandi Permana said, 'We sincerely apologize to the victim's family and to all Indonesians for this deeply regrettable incident. Any acts of violence committed by police officers will be dealt with strictly according to the law without exception.'
Dr. Sandi Permana added that a joint investigation team from the Police’s Professional and Security Division (Propam) and the Legal Division has been deployed directly to Maluku to thoroughly investigate this case. The investigation will include examining witnesses, collecting forensic evidence, as well as identifying and questioning Brimob officers suspected of being involved in the tragic incident. The police are committed to revealing the facts objectively.
Rian’s family, still in deep mourning, expressed their disappointment and anger over the brutal treatment their son suffered. The victim's father, Mr. Herman, with a trembling voice said, "My child does not deserve to be treated like this. We only want justice to be served, so that no other Rians become victims of violence by authorities."
The push for this case to be taken seriously also comes from various community groups and human rights organizations. The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) urged the police to ensure a legal process that is transparent, accountable, and impartial. They also highlighted the importance of internal police reforms to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Police observer from Gadjah Mada University, Dr. Budi Santoso, S.H., M.Hum., sees this incident as a serious warning for the police institution. "This event in Maluku should be a moment for the police to comprehensively evaluate their supervision and member development systems. Without concrete action, public trust in law enforcement agencies will continue to erode," he said.
The legal process against the individuals allegedly involved is ongoing, and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) promises to provide regular updates to the public. The suspected perpetrators will face relevant criminal charges, as well as disciplinary actions and professional ethical codes of Polri, which could ultimately lead to dishonorable dismissal.
This case highlights the urgency of enforcing discipline and ethics within the police force, especially regarding the use of proportional force. There is high hope placed on the National Police Headquarters to prove their commitment to cleaning the institution of individuals who tarnish the Bhayangkara corps' image and to ensure justice for the victims' families.
The government and the House of Representatives (DPR) of the Republic of Indonesia have also expressed their concern about this case. Members of Commission III of the DPR RI urged the National Police Chief to ensure that there is no impunity for the perpetrators and that the legal process runs as fairly as possible. They also called for human rights and ethics training to be intensified throughout the police ranks to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The people of Maluku and all of Indonesia are waiting for an honest and transparent investigation from the police. The hope that justice can truly be felt by the victims' families is the top priority. This incident is expected to be a turning point for serious improvements in the relationship between security forces and civil society.
