A tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage in Tual City, Maluku, following the death of 14-year-old student Arianto Tawakal. He allegedly succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck with a helmet by a Brimob officer, Bripda Masias Siahaya. The harrowing event unfolded on Thursday morning, February 19th, near the Maren Hospital area, triggering a major investigation and a fervent public demand for immediate justice.
Arianto’s older brother, Nasri Karim (15), provided a detailed account of the moments leading up to his sibling’s untimely death. He recounted that they were both riding separate motorcycles down a sloped road, having just made a U-turn near the hospital. Nasri vehemently denied any involvement in illegal street racing, clarifying that their speed was simply a consequence of the downhill gradient. “We were riding alone. Coming from Maren Hospital, we turned back. It was a downhill slope, so the motorbikes were going a bit fast. My brother had already said there were police ahead,” Nasri recalled, painting a picture of an ordinary ride gone terribly wrong.
As they approached the bottom of the slope, Nasri observed a Brimob officer, subsequently identified as Bripda Masias Siahaya, positioned on the roadside. “When we got close, he immediately jumped out from behind a tree. He instantly swung the helmet he was wearing, hitting my brother directly in the face,” Nasri tearfully explained, describing the sudden and unprovoked attack.
The impact proved catastrophic. Nasri stated that Arianto initially struggled to maintain control of his motorcycle, his eyes reportedly closing from the force of the blow. “He was still holding the motorbike, but his eyes were closed. Because he was hit in the face, he lost control. The motorbike continued to go forward then fell face down. His head was dragged on the asphalt. My brother’s motorbike also hit me, causing me to fall too,” he elaborated. Arianto was rushed to the hospital but was tragically pronounced dead, an outcome that ignited widespread anger among his family and local residents. In a powerful display of protest, they converged on the Brimob headquarters in Tual, demanding swift legal action against the perpetrator.
Moksen Ali, a family member, articulated the community’s profound frustration and demand for fairness: “If he was truly at fault, why wasn’t he just given a warning? Why was he hit like an animal? The perpetrator must be punished according to the applicable laws. If justice is not served, we will continue to monitor this case closely.” This impassioned plea underscored the community’s unwavering resolve to ensure full accountability for Arianto’s death.
Bripda MS Named as Suspect
In a pivotal development, the Tual Police officially elevated Bripda Masias’s status from a reported individual to a suspect in the assault case that led to the tragic death of the teenager. This crucial step signifies the serious nature of the ongoing legal proceedings. Tual Police Chief AKBP Whansi Des Asmoro confirmed this advancement on Saturday, February 21st, as reported by Antara.
The Police Chief affirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment to conducting a transparent and open investigation into the matter. Concurrently, any ethical violations committed by the officer will be rigorously addressed by the Maluku Regional Police’s Internal Affairs Division (Bid Propam). To date, 14 witnesses have been interviewed, contributing to the comprehensive reconstruction of the incident. Bripda MS now faces charges under Article 76C juncto Article 80 paragraph (3) of the Child Protection Law and Article 466 of the National Criminal Code, reflecting the severe legal ramifications of the alleged offense.
Ethics Hearing Scheduled for Today
Further underscoring the swift and decisive response, the Maluku Regional Police’s Bid Propam has scheduled an ethics hearing for Bripda Masias for Monday afternoon, February 23rd. The hearing was deliberately set for the afternoon to facilitate the attendance of the victim’s family, who were flown directly from Tual specifically for this purpose. Kombes Pol Rositah Umasugi, Head of Public Relations for the Maluku Regional Police, confirmed that the hearing would commence at 2:00 PM WIT in the Bid Propam courtroom, ensuring a formal and timely process.
Rositah further explained that the timing was carefully chosen out of consideration for the family’s logistical needs for travel. The Maluku Regional Police Chief personally facilitated the transportation of the victim’s parents and brother from Tual to Ambon, ensuring their presence at the crucial hearing and enabling them to receive necessary referred medical treatment, highlighting a compassionate approach amidst the legal proceedings.
National Police Chief Assures Ongoing Process
The high-profile case has also captured the attention of the nation’s highest law enforcement official. National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo publicly addressed the alleged assault by the Brimob officer in Tual, assuring the public that the legal process is actively underway and will be managed with utmost transparency. “I believe it is already being processed. Currently, it is undergoing deepening, an investigation handled by the Polres, assisted by the Polda, if I’m not mistaken,” Listyo Sigit informed reporters on Saturday, February 21st, emphasizing the multi-layered approach to the investigation.
General Sigit unequivocally stated that there would be no attempts to conceal facts or manipulate evidence during the handling of this sensitive case. He reiterated the National Police’s unwavering commitment to taking decisive and stringent action against any legal violations committed by its personnel. This pledge aligns with the official apologies that have been issued and the ongoing oversight from the National Police Headquarters, collectively reinforcing the institution’s dedication to justice and upholding public trust.