Teknowarta, JAKARTA – The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) has issued a strong response following the tragic death of Arianto Tawakal, an Islamic junior high school (MTsN) student in Southeast Maluku. The student’s death is allegedly linked to an assault by Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) member Bripda Masias Siahaya, sparking widespread concern and calls for justice.
KemenPPPA is actively coordinating with relevant agencies in Tual City to ensure the thorough handling of the case, adhering strictly to legal provisions and the fundamental principles of child protection. Indra Gunawan, Acting Deputy for Child Special Protection at KemenPPPA, emphasized the ministry’s commitment. “We are coordinating with local agencies in Tual regarding the death of a child due to violence perpetrated by an officer. We are awaiting further confirmation on the exact cause and circumstances,” Indra stated on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
The alleged perpetrator, Bripda Masias Siahaya, has already been detained as investigations proceed. He faces both a criminal probe and an ethical review process by the authorities. KemenPPPA has pledged to closely monitor the case involving the police officer. Indra added, “The perpetrator has been detained for investigation and will face an ethical trial. This represents a firm step by the police, and we will collectively oversee its progress.”
Beyond advocating for a transparent legal process, KemenPPPA is also focusing on the well-being of the victim’s family, particularly Arianto’s older sibling, who witnessed the tragic incident. “KemenPPPA will continue to coordinate with various parties, including the police, to ensure protection for the victim’s sibling as a child witness, and to ensure this case is handled appropriately,” Indra affirmed.
Bripda Masias Siahaya has been officially named a suspect in the fatal assault of the 14-year-old madrasah student, identified by his initials AT, in Tual City, Maluku. The Tual Resort Police are handling the criminal charges. Maluku Regional Police Public Relations Chief, Kombes Rositah Umasugi, confirmed the development, noting that the suspect was transferred to the Maluku Regional Police headquarters in Ambon for further proceedings. “Currently, the individual is undergoing an ethical examination by the Bidpropam (Professional and Security Division) of the Maluku Regional Police,” Kombes Rositah stated on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The harrowing chronology of the assault reveals that Arianto Tawakal, an Islamic junior high school student, was discovered dead with head injuries near the Uningrat Campus in Tual City, Maluku, on Thursday, February 19, 2026. He succumbed to his injuries after allegedly being assaulted by Bripda Masias Siahaya, an officer from Brimob Company 1 Battalion C Pioneer of the Maluku Regional Police, who was on duty to sweep for illegal racing. The incident unfolded when Arianto and his older sibling were riding a motorcycle on RSUD Maren Road in Tual. Both were still in their school uniforms and were registered as ninth-grade students. The siblings were allegedly stopped by Bripda Masias Siahaya, who then reportedly struck Arianto with a helmet, causing him to fall from the motorcycle. The brutal incident tragically resulted in Arianto’s death; he was found lying face down before being evacuated by police in a service vehicle.
In response to the gravity of the situation, Maluku Regional Police Chief Irjen Pol Dadang Hartanto unequivocally stated his zero-tolerance policy for any legal or ethical violations committed by police personnel. “We are handling this case with firmness and through multi-layered processes. The criminal process is ongoing, and the ethical code process is also underway. If proven guilty, the sanctions will be clear and severe,” Irjen Dadang declared on Saturday, February 21, 2026. As part of stringent internal oversight, the Maluku Regional Police Chief has directed the Irwasda (Regional Inspectorate) and Kabid Propam of the Maluku Regional Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the handling and sequence of events in this case. He emphasized that the case would be processed in accordance with applicable law, transparently, accountably, and objectively, remaining open to public scrutiny.
On behalf of the Maluku Regional Police leadership, an open apology was extended to the victim’s family for the tragedy, accompanied by deep concern and heartfelt condolences. “We offer our deepest condolences and apologies to the victim’s family. This tragedy is a matter of serious concern for us and will be handled diligently,” the Police Chief conveyed. Should the officer be found in violation of the National Police Professional Code of Ethics during the ongoing process, the alleged perpetrator could face severe disciplinary action, including a Dishonorable Discharge (PTDH) from the Indonesian National Police force.
Summary
The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) is actively addressing the tragic death of Arianto Tawakal, a 14-year-old student in Tual City, Maluku. He allegedly died from head injuries after being assaulted by Brimob member Bripda Masias Siahaya during an illegal racing sweep. KemenPPPA is coordinating with local agencies to ensure a thorough legal process and child protection, while also monitoring the detention and investigation of the alleged perpetrator.
Bripda Masias Siahaya has been named a suspect, detained, and transferred for both criminal and ethical proceedings, facing potential severe sanctions, including dishonorable discharge. The Maluku Regional Police Chief has pledged a zero-tolerance policy, apologized to the victim’s family, and initiated internal investigations for transparency. KemenPPPA further commits to protecting Arianto’s older sibling, who witnessed the incident, as a child witness.