A tragic incident in Tual City, Maluku, has led to the death of a 14-year-old Madrasah Aliyah student, Arianto Tawakal. He reportedly died on Thursday morning, February 19, following an alleged assault by an off-duty Brimob (Mobile Brigade) officer, who struck him with a helmet on a road near Maren Hospital.
The events unfolded when Arianto and his 15-year-old brother, Nasri Karim, were riding their motorbike down a sloping road after making a U-turn near the hospital. Concurrently, reports indicated that a group of other vehicles was speeding past, allegedly involved in illegal street racing.
Nasri firmly denied any involvement in street racing, clarifying that their motorbike’s speed was merely a consequence of the downhill road conditions. He recounted their journey, emphasizing their independence from any racing group.
“We were riding alone. We turned back from Maren hospital. The road was indeed downhill, so the motorbike picked up some speed. My brother had already mentioned there was a police officer ahead,” Nasri explained, detailing the moments leading up to the confrontation.
According to Nasri, just before they reached the bottom of the slope, a Brimob officer identified as Bripda Masias Siahaya was seen observing from the roadside. The officer’s presence, initially perceived as routine, soon took a violent turn.
“As we drew near, he suddenly leapt out from behind a tree. He immediately swung the helmet he was wearing, hitting my brother directly in the face,” Nasri recounted, vividly describing the shocking moment of impact.
Nasri further explained that despite the blow, his brother initially maintained control of the motorbike before eventually collapsing onto the asphalt. The immediate aftermath was chaotic and terrifying.
“He was still holding onto the motorbike, but his eyes were already closed. Because he was hit in the face, he lost control. The motorbike continued to move forward before falling. His head was dragged across the asphalt. My brother’s motorbike also hit me, causing me to fall,” Nasri tearfully detailed the harrowing sequence of events.
Arianto was immediately rushed to the hospital but was tragically pronounced dead. His untimely death sparked widespread anger among his family and local residents. They quickly converged on the Brimob headquarters in Tual, demanding that the alleged perpetrator be brought to justice through legal channels.
“If he made a mistake, why wasn’t he just given guidance? Why was he beaten like an animal? The perpetrator must be punished according to the law. If justice isn’t served, we will continue to monitor this case closely,” declared Moksen Ali, a family member, expressing the community’s outrage and determination.
Police Investigate Alleged Street Racing
The Tual Resort Police are currently handling the case. Tual Police Chief, AKBP Whansi Des Asmoro, stated that authorities are diligently investigating the full chronology of events, including the allegations of illegal street racing at the scene. This initial probe aims to establish the facts surrounding the tragic incident.
“We are still investigating whether there was indeed illegal street racing at that time, or if the victim was merely passing by, as stated by the family. There are witnesses who claim that vehicles were indeed racing, and the Brimob officer was attempting to prevent it. However, whether the actions taken were in accordance with procedure is what we are currently investigating,” Whansi explained on Friday, February 20.
He emphasized that the investigation is being conducted transparently, involving the examination of several witnesses and the securing of evidence related to the incident. The Tual Resort Police are also coordinating closely with the Brimob unit and the Maluku Regional Police’s Professional and Security Division (Bidpropam) given that the alleged perpetrator is not a member of the Tual Resort Police.
“We assure you that this process will be transparent. We will not cover anything up. We will provide updates on the investigation to the victim’s family,” he affirmed, promising full disclosure as the case progresses.
Officer Detained
The Maluku Regional Police have affirmed their commitment to resolving this case professionally, transparently, and fairly. While the alleged criminal act is being handled by the Tual Resort Police, an internal ethics review process is simultaneously underway, highlighting a dual approach to accountability.
The Head of Public Relations for the Maluku Regional Police, Kombes Rositah Umasugi, confirmed that the suspected perpetrator, Bripda MS, has been apprehended and is currently detained at the Tual Resort Police detention center. This swift action underscores the seriousness with which the case is being treated.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, Bripda MS will face enforcement under the Indonesian National Police Professional Ethics Code. If found guilty of a violation, severe sanctions, potentially including a dishonorable discharge from the police force (Pemberhentian Tidak Dengan Hormat – PTDH), could be imposed.
Maluku Police Chief Gives Special Attention
Maluku Police Chief Inspector General Dadang Hartanto has emphatically stated that there will be zero tolerance for any legal or ethical transgressions committed by members of the Indonesian National Police. His resolute stance underscores a commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct within the force.
“We are handling this matter with a firm and multi-layered approach. The criminal process is proceeding, and the ethics review process is also underway. If found guilty, the sanctions will be clear and strict,” he reiterated, promising a decisive outcome based on the findings.
As a crucial component of internal oversight, the Police Chief has ordered the Regional Inspector (Irwasda) and the Head of Propam of the Maluku Regional Police to conduct a thorough and in-depth investigation. Furthermore, the Commander of the Maluku Regional Police’s Brimob unit has traveled to Tual City to personally ensure that all procedures are being followed correctly and transparently.
The leadership of the Maluku Regional Police also extended their sincere apologies and condolences to the victim’s grieving family. This gesture signifies the gravity of the situation and the institution’s acknowledgment of the profound loss.
“We share in the sorrow and extend our deepest apologies to the victim’s family. This tragedy is a matter of serious concern for us and will be handled with utmost diligence,” the Police Chief solemnly stated, assuring the community of a comprehensive investigation.
The Maluku Regional Police have urged the public to remain calm and to trust in the ongoing legal process, assuring everyone that the case will be thoroughly investigated until all facts are brought to light and justice is fully served.
Summary
A 14-year-old student, Arianto Tawakal, died in Tual City, Maluku, on February 19 after allegedly being struck with a helmet by off-duty Brimob officer Bripda Masias Siahaya. Arianto and his brother were riding a motorbike downhill when the officer reportedly jumped out and hit Arianto in the face, causing him to lose control, fall, and sustain fatal injuries. The family denies any involvement in street racing and is demanding justice, leading to widespread anger among residents.
The Maluku Regional Police have detained the suspected officer, Bripda MS, and are conducting both a criminal investigation and an internal ethics review. Maluku Police Chief Inspector General Dadang Hartanto promised a transparent and firm process, including potential dishonorable discharge if the officer is found guilty. Authorities are also investigating allegations of illegal street racing at the scene while assuring the public of a thorough and fair legal process.