The Indonesian National Police has announced a significant development in the tragic case surrounding the death of Arianto Tawakal, a 14-year-old student from MTsN 1 Maluku in Tual. Police Brigadier First Class (Bripda) Masias Victoria Siahaya, a member of the Brimob (Mobile Brigade) unit of Tual Police, has been dishonorably discharged and now faces severe criminal charges related to the incident.
This crucial update was provided by Inspector General Pol Johnny Eddizon Isir, the Head of the National Police’s Public Relations Division, during a press conference held at the National Police Headquarters on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Isir affirmed, “Specifically for the incident in Tual, the ethical code process has been completed. As you are aware, the decision has already been announced by the Maluku Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Dadang Hartanto, which includes the sanction of Dishonorable Discharge, or PTDH, for Bripda MS.”
The internal ethical proceedings had concluded earlier, with Maluku Regional Police Chief Inspector General Pol Dadang Hartanto announcing the outcome on Monday evening, February 21, 2026. The National Police Professional Code of Ethics Commission formally imposed the Dishonorable Discharge (PTDH) on Bripda Masias Victoria Siahaya after finding him guilty of violating several police ethical provisions. Evidence presented during the trial led the commission’s panel of judges to conclude that Bripda Masias failed in his fundamental duties to uphold the institution’s honor and reputation, adhere to legal norms, and abide by prohibitions against violence and inappropriate conduct. In addition to the dishonorable discharge, Bripda Masias had already served an administrative sanction of five days in special placement (patsus). He is reportedly considering an appeal against this definitive decision.
With the internal disciplinary action concluded, Bripda Masias’s case will now move forward into the criminal justice system. He stands accused under multiple severe articles pertaining to violence and child protection, carrying a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The specific charges include Article 76C Juncto Article 80 Paragraph 3 of Indonesian Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law Number 23 of 2002 regarding Child Protection, and/or Article 466 Paragraph 3 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP). These charges also stipulate a maximum fine of Rp 3 billion.
The criminal investigation has progressed diligently, with the case file, documented under Police Report: LP/B/32/II/2026/Satreskrim/SPKT/Polres Tual/Polda Maluku dated February 19, 2026, already completed. This comprehensive dossier was subsequently handed over in its first stage to the Tual Public Prosecutor’s Office on February 24, 2026, marking a critical step in the legal process.
Currently, the public prosecutors are meticulously examining the submitted case file. “We hope that both the formal and material aspects will be deemed complete, which will then pave the way for the next stage: the official handover of the suspect and evidence for the subsequent court proceedings,” Johnny elaborated. This progression underscores the firm commitment of law enforcement to ensure thorough accountability for the death of Arianto Tawakal and to deliver justice under both the police’s ethical code and the full weight of Indonesian law.
Summary
Police Brigadier First Class (Bripda) Masias Victoria Siahaya has been dishonorably discharged from the Indonesian National Police in connection with the tragic death of 14-year-old student Arianto Tawakal. This sanction was announced by the Head of Public Relations Inspector General Pol Johnny Eddizon Isir, following an ethical code process where Masias was found guilty of violating police provisions, including failing to uphold institutional honor and adhering to prohibitions against violence.
Subsequently, Bripda Masias faces severe criminal charges under child protection and criminal code laws, potentially leading to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp 3 billion. The criminal investigation file has been completed and submitted to the Tual Public Prosecutor’s Office on February 24, 2026. Prosecutors are now reviewing the dossier, aiming to proceed with the official handover of the suspect and evidence for subsequent court proceedings.