Indonesia Calls for Police Firearm Regulation After Student and Officer Shootings
Advocacy groups in Indonesia are calling for police firearm regulations after two recent shootings. A 17-year-old student, Gamma Rizkynata Oktafandy, was shot by police in Semarang on November 24 during a gang brawl. Semarang’s police chief claimed the shooting occurred while attempting to disperse rival gangs.
Ulil Riyanto Anshari, a Christian police officer, was shot by a colleague on November 22 due to a disagreement over illegal mining actions. The suspect, Dadang Iskandar, is under investigation.
Ikhsan Yosarie from the SETARA Institute emphasized the need for accountability in police firearm use. He pointed out the importance of addressing mental health issues among police personnel to prevent excessive use of firearms.
A study by SETARA Institute highlighted mental health challenges faced by police without adequate support. Yosarie encouraged the national police to take transparent and decisive measures to prevent future unlawful firearm use.
What reforms are being proposed to address police shootings in Indonesia?
Interview with Ikhsan Yosarie, SETARA Institute’s Advocacy Specialist on Recent Police Shootings in Indonesia
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Ikhsan. Following the recent incidents involving police shootings in Semarang, there has been a rising call for stricter firearm regulations. What are your thoughts on this growing advocacy?
Ikhsan Yosarie: Thank you for having me. The recent shootings, particularly the tragic case of Gamma Rizkynata Oktafandy, have highlighted urgent and systemic issues within our police force. It is clear that we must address the guidelines surrounding police firearm use. We need accountability to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.
Interviewer: You mentioned accountability. Could you elaborate on its importance in this context?
Ikhsan Yosarie: Absolutely. Accountability is crucial because it maintains public trust in law enforcement. When officers misuse their firearms or act excessively, there must be consequences. Transparent investigations into such incidents will help foster trust between the police and the communities they serve. It is vital for the police to openly communicate with the public regarding these methods and findings.
Interviewer: Mental health among police personnel has emerged as a significant concern. How do you believe it influences the use of firearms in these situations?
Ikhsan Yosarie: Mental health is an essential factor that has often been overlooked. Our research indicates that many police officers face severe mental health challenges, often without proper support systems in place. Addressing these mental health issues could not only improve officers’ overall wellbeing but also reduce the likelihood of excessive firearm use. A well-supported police force is less likely to resort to violence as a first response.
Interviewer: There have been reports of police violence, with numbers indicating over 600 instances recorded in just a year. What do these statistics tell us?
Ikhsan Yosarie: These numbers are alarming and paint a grim picture of policing in Indonesia. They not only indicate a pervasive culture of violence but also signal a pressing need for reform in police training and the use of force protocols. It’s not just about individual actions, but the systemic issues that allow such behaviors to persist. The police need comprehensive reform focused on preventing violence rather than disproportionately responding to conflicts.
Interviewer: What measures do you suggest the national police adopt to mitigate such violence?
Ikhsan Yosarie: The national police must take transparent and decisive actions. First, they should implement rigorous training programs focusing on conflict resolution and mental health awareness. Second, there should be an established protocol for the use of firearms that is strictly enforced. Lastly, ongoing mental health support should be integrated into police culture. These changes are essential to re-establish community trust and ensure officers are equipped to handle situations without resulting to violence.
Interviewer: What message would you like to convey to the authorities in light of these incidents?
Ikhsan Yosarie: My message is clear: the time for change is now. Authorities must prioritize reforms that include mental health support, accountability, and transparent practices. The community is watching, and it’s crucial for the police to act decisively, ensuring that public safety and trust are strengthened rather than eroded by violence.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ikhsan, for your insights on this pressing issue. We hope to see meaningful reforms in the near future.
Ikhsan Yosarie: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial conversation that needs to continue.
Zainal Petir from the Penyambung Titipan Rakyat Legal Aid Institute urged authorities to conduct transparent investigations into the shootings. He stressed that honest communication from the police is essential for public trust.
From July 2023 to July 2024, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence reported 645 instances of police violence, resulting in 754 injuries and 38 deaths.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that serious violations will not be tolerated, and offenders will face consequences. In a notable case, Ferdy Sambo, a former inspector general, was initially sentenced to death for orchestrating a murder but had his sentence reduced to life in prison on appeal in August 2023.