Indonesian Police Apologize After Officer Allegedly Involved in Deadly Assault of Student
Jakarta, United Kingdom – Indonesian National Police (Polri) have issued a formal apology following allegations that a member of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) force assaulted two students in Tual, Maluku province, resulting in the death of one. The incident has sparked public outcry and prompted a commitment from Polri to conduct a transparent investigation and hold the officer accountable. The apology, delivered by the Head of Public Relations of Polri, Irjen Pol Johnny Eddizon Isir, acknowledges the breach of public trust caused by the alleged actions of Bripda MS.
The incident, which occurred on February 21, 2026, involved two students, identified only by their initials AT and another whose name has not been publicly released, who were reportedly attacked while riding a motorcycle near RSUD Maren hospital in Maluku. According to reports, the students, both ninth-grade students at an Islamic junior high school, were allegedly stopped by the officer before being assaulted with a helmet. AT, 14, succumbed to his injuries on February 19, 2026, and has since been buried, while the other student remains hospitalized and is receiving medical care. The circumstances leading to the assault remain under investigation.
Details of the Incident and Polri’s Response
Irjen Pol Johnny Eddizon Isir expressed deep regret over the incident and conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased student. “Polri deeply mourns the passing of the victim and expresses deep empathy to the large family of the victim over this incident,” Isir stated in a press briefing. He emphasized that the actions of the individual officer do not reflect the values of the Polri institution, which are guided by the Tribrata and Catur Prasetya principles – a code of ethics for Indonesian police officers. Isir further stated that Polri is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent legal process, encompassing both criminal and ethical investigations.
“Polri conveys an apology for the actions of the individual Polri member that are not in line with the values of Tribrata and Catur Prasetya, which of course can damage public trust in the Polri institution,” Isir added. Bripda MS has been detained at the Tual City Police detention center pending the outcome of the investigation. Polri has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly and impartially, with a commitment to accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
The incident has drawn condemnation from various sectors of Indonesian society, including the Indonesian Parliament (DPR). Members of the DPR have called for severe punishment for the officer involved, including potential dismissal from the force. The DPR’s strong reaction underscores the seriousness with which the incident is being viewed and the demand for justice for the victim and his family. The public is closely watching the progress of the investigation and expects a swift and decisive response from Polri.
The case also raises broader questions about police conduct and accountability in Indonesia. While Polri has expressed remorse and pledged to address the issue, concerns remain about systemic issues that may contribute to such incidents. Civil society organizations and human rights advocates are calling for comprehensive reforms within the Polri to improve training, oversight, and accountability mechanisms. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for public trust in the police and the broader justice system in Indonesia.
Chronology of Events
The incident unfolded on February 21, 2026, when the two students were riding a motorcycle along the road near RSUD Maren hospital in Maluku. Both students were wearing their school uniforms at the time. According to initial reports, the officer, Bripda MS, stopped the students. Shortly after, the officer allegedly struck the students with a helmet, causing them to fall from the motorcycle. The motive behind the assault remains unclear and is a key focus of the ongoing investigation.
Following the attack, AT was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries two days later, on February 19, 2026. His funeral was held shortly thereafter. The second student is currently receiving medical treatment and his condition is being monitored. Bripda MS was apprehended shortly after the incident and is currently in custody, cooperating with investigators.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Polri has stated its commitment to a transparent and accountable investigation into the incident. The investigation is being led by the Maluku Regional Police and is expected to involve interviews with witnesses, forensic analysis, and a review of any available evidence. The officer, Bripda MS, faces potential criminal charges, as well as disciplinary action within the Polri. The specific charges will depend on the findings of the investigation and the applicable Indonesian laws.
The case is expected to proceed through the Indonesian legal system, with potential for a trial if sufficient evidence is found to support the charges. Polri has assured the public that it will provide regular updates on the progress of the investigation and legal proceedings. The outcome of the case will likely set a precedent for future incidents involving police misconduct and will be closely watched by the public and civil society organizations.
Polri is urging the public to allow the legal process to unfold without interference and has called for cooperation from anyone with information related to the incident. The institution has also reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all citizens.
The Indonesian National Police’s response to this tragic incident will be critical in restoring public trust and demonstrating a commitment to accountability. The ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings will be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers.
As of February 21, 2026, the investigation remains ongoing, and further updates are expected in the coming days and weeks. Polri has not yet announced a timeline for the completion of the investigation or the commencement of any legal proceedings.
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