Maluku Police Chief Visits Victim of Brimob Officer’s Assault in Tual

Tual, Maluku – The Maluku Regional Police Chief, Irjen Dadang Hartanto, visited NK (15), a victim of assault by a member of the Brimob (Mobile Brigade) police force, Bripda MS, in Tual, Maluku. The visit came as Bripda MS faced an ethics hearing following the death of NK’s younger brother, AT (14), after being subjected to similar violence.

“This visit demonstrates empathy, moral responsibility, and a firm commitment that the state will not ignore violations of the law, especially when committed by law enforcement officers,” Irjen Dadang stated, according to detikSulsel, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Irjen Dadang visited NK at Prof JA Latumeten Hospital in Ambon on Monday, February 23rd. He spoke with the victim’s parents and ensured NK was receiving adequate medical care. “I reviewed the victim’s medical condition, spoke with the medical team, and ensured all treatment needs were met optimally,” he said.

Dadang also offered a direct apology to the family on behalf of the police force. He emphasized that his presence was a matter of moral obligation. “I am here not only as the leader of the institution, but as a matter of moral responsibility. On behalf of myself and the National Police, I express my deepest apologies. We are deeply saddened by this incident,” he stated.

The police chief affirmed that this incident would be subject to serious evaluation within the Maluku Regional Police. He expressed a desire to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

NK was also injured in the assault perpetrated by Bripda MS, sustaining bone fractures and requiring intensive care. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, prompting calls for accountability and reform within the police force.

The ethics hearing for Bripda MS concluded early Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026, resulting in his dishonorable discharge from the National Police. The Polri Code of Ethics Commission determined that Bripda MS’s behavior constituted a disgraceful act. He was also placed in special detention for four days, beginning February 21, 2026, and ending February 24, 2026, according to Kombes Rusitah Umasugi, the Public Relations Head of the Maluku Police.

The hearing, held at the Propam Polda Maluku (Maluku Police Professional and Security Division), was 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. 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.

Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that Bripda MS must face both an ethics hearing and criminal prosecution. “In principle, in this legal state, no one is immune from the law. Law enforcement agencies must also be punished if they violate the law,” Yusril said in an official statement on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Yusril expressed deep concern over the death of AT and regretted the incident, describing MS’s actions as exceeding the limits of humanity. He acknowledged the swift response from the Maluku Regional Police and the National Police Headquarters, noting that the apology issued by the National Police Headquarters signaled a shift towards a more humble attitude.

The case has prompted a wave of grief and outrage, with Amnesty International condemning the killing of the 14-year-old and calling for a thorough investigation. The Maluku Police Chief’s visit to NK and the subsequent disciplinary action against Bripda MS represent initial steps towards addressing the tragedy and restoring public trust.