National Police Vows Strict Action Against Brimob Officer in Fatal Maluku Student Assault
The National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has assured the public that the criminal and ethical sanctions against Brimob officer Bripda MS, implicated in the fatal assault of a 14-year-old MTsN student identified as AT in Southeast Maluku, will be processed with utmost transparency. “The process is currently underway. I believe such investigations involving our members will be handled transparently,” Sigit stated on Sunday, February 21, 2026.
1. Legal Process Assisted by Maluku Regional Police
Sigit emphasized that both the criminal investigation and the ethical review are being managed by local police units, with direct assistance from the Maluku Regional Police. “I am confident the process is already in motion. It is currently under thorough investigation, encompassing both the proceedings handled by the Resort Police and the assistance provided by the Regional Police,” he elaborated. The National Police Headquarters has also issued an open apology regarding the alleged assault by Brimob member Bripda MS in Tual City, Maluku. The incident, captured in a video that went viral on social media, tragically showed the madrasah student AT suffering severe bleeding, ultimately leading to his untimely death.
2. National Police Headquarters Issues Apology
In response to the tragic event, the Head of the National Police’s Public Relations Division, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, expressed the institution’s deep regret and profound empathy for the victim’s family. “Polri extends its deepest condolences on the passing of the victim and empathizes with the victim’s extended family over this incident,” Isir conveyed in a written statement. He further offered apologies to the victim’s family and the wider community, stressing that the act of violence committed by the individual officer was an isolated, aberrant act that does not represent the values of the National Police institution. “Polri apologizes for the actions of this individual officer, which do not align with the principles of Tribrata and Catur Prasetya,” he affirmed.
Isir reiterated the National Police’s commitment to ensuring a transparent legal process against the implicated Brimob officer. He guaranteed that appropriate actions, both criminal and ethical, would be taken.
3. Bripda MS Named Suspect
Following a case review on Friday evening, February 20, 2026, Bripda MS has officially been named a suspect and immediately detained at the Tual Resort Police detention center. Tual Resort Police Chief, AKBP Whansi Des Asmoro, confirmed that several pieces of evidence were secured, including a tactical helmet, a motorcycle, and equipment found on the helmet. His team is also coordinating with the Maluku Regional Police’s Propam Division regarding the disciplinary measures for Bripda MS, emphasizing that the officer faces both criminal prosecution and ethical code proceedings within the National Police. The investigation has so far involved questioning fourteen witnesses, comprising both the victim’s family and other Brimob members present at the crime scene. In this grievous case of assault leading to death, Bripda MS has been charged under multiple articles, including Article 35 juncto Article 14 of the amendment to Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. Additionally, Bripda MS is also charged under Article 474 paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code, with a potential sentence of five years imprisonment.
Summary
The Chief of the Indonesian National Police, General Listyo Sig