Brimob Officer Dismissed Over Fatal Assault of Student in Tual, Maluku

Tual, Maluku – A member of Indonesia’s Brimob (Mobile Brigade) police force, identified as Bripda MS, has been dishonorably discharged following an ethics review board hearing related to the death of a 14-year-old student, Arianto Tawakal, in Tual, Maluku province. The decision was announced early Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026.

“The Polri Code of Ethics Commission ruled, first, that the perpetrator’s behavior was a disgraceful act. Second, placement in a special detention facility for four days, starting February 21, 2026, and ending February 24, 2026,” stated Kombes Rusitah Umasugi, the Public Relations Head of the Maluku Police, in a press statement.

“And third, dismissal from the National Police (PTDH),” Umasugi added.

The ethics hearing took place at the Propam Polda Maluku (Maluku Police Professional and Security Division) hearing room, led by Kombes Indra Gunawan, with Kompol Jamaludin Malawa as deputy chairman and Kompol Jaku Samusi as a member of the ethics commission. Ipda Joni James Holey and Aiptu Edward Jaya served as prosecutors during the proceedings.

The hearing commenced on Monday, February 23rd, at 2:00 PM local time (WIT) and concluded on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, at 3:30 AM. Representatives from the Maluku Provincial National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), the Provincial UPTD for Women and Children Protection (PPA), and the Women and Children Empowerment Foundation were present as external observers.

Marathon Hearing

The hearing was described as a “marathon” session, beginning with testimony from nine Brimob members and one witness who was a victim in the incident. Additional witnesses testified via Zoom from Tual, including one member of the Tual Police Traffic Unit, one member of the Tual Police Criminal Investigation Unit’s PPA section, and two family members of the deceased.

“The accused was also examined during the hearing,” Umasugi stated.

Bripda MS was found to have violated Article 13 paragraph 1 of Government Regulation Number 1 of 2003 concerning the Dismissal of Indonesian National Police Members, in conjunction with Article 5 paragraph 1 letters b and c, Article 8 letter c number 1, and Article 13 letter m of Indonesian National Police Regulation Number 7 of 2022 concerning the Code of Ethics of the Indonesian National Police and the Code of Ethics Commission of the Indonesian National Police.

Bripda MS has indicated he is considering an appeal of the dismissal decision.

National Police Chief’s Attention

Maluku Police Chief Irjen Dadang Hartanto stated that the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has given direct instruction to thoroughly investigate the case, ensure justice for the victim’s family, and conduct a transparent legal process. Irjen Dadang also noted that the National Police Chief has dispatched a special team to oversee the investigation.

“The National Police Chief also deployed a team from the Itwasum Polri Special Cases Division to conduct a comprehensive oversight and investigation. The Maluku Police also received assistance from the Propam Division of the National Police Headquarters as an internal supervisor, and the Maluku Police also involved external supervisors in this case,” Irjen Dadang explained.