Black And White Ownership Of Firearms In Indonesia

JAKARTA - Firearms are prohibited goods for people in Indonesia. Strict rules limit their use. However, there are still many parties who own it illegally. Recently the police revealed cases of possession of dozens of firearms without a permit by naming six suspects.

The disclosure began when there was a report about a case of mistreatment with the victim with the initials DH. At that time, DH was involved in buying and selling luxury cars with two perpetrators, AK and JR.

During the negotiation process, they disagreed, so that in the end one of the perpetrators fired a gun at DH's head and beat him. Not accepting the statement, DH reported the case to the police.

Then, the police investigated the report and a few days later, the two suspects were arrested. Investigators then dig up the statements of the two suspects about the origin of the firearms used.

From the examination it was found that the firearm used during the assault belonged to JK, which was purchased from someone with the initials GTB. Armed with this information, the police moved and arrested GTB with evidence of 5 firearms and 3 air rifles.

Development was again carried out. From the statement of the suspect GTB, in the sale and purchase of firearms he collaborated with three other people, namely, WH, MH and AST. They were later arrested at different locations.

During the arrest, as many as 20 illegal firearms of various types were used as evidence. However, currently the police are still developing the case to determine the origin of these illegal firearms.

Firearms ownership rules

Criminalist University of Indonesia, Ferdinand Andi Lolo, said that getting a firearm legally is not an easy matter. A long process because of the complex requirements that must be passed when someone wants to own a firearm.

"The rules are clear, civil society cannot own firearms, except for those who do because of their work. The police have rules for granting firearms permits," said Ferdinand.

However, in reality there are still many parties 'playing' behind it all. They offer services to make it easier for someone to have a firearm illegally.

Usually, these individuals have access or a strong network around the world of firearms. So, they can pass or circumvent the strict rules.

Then, there is another way to get firearms, namely by smuggling them from conflict areas. With both, civil society can possess these dangerous goods.

"Manufactured firearms can be obtained from smuggling, for example from conflict areas. Then it could also be from individuals who have access to manufactured weapons, but the numbers are not many because the control mechanisms from military and civilian institutions are already running quite well," said Ferdinand.

In order to prevent the number of illegal firearms from being circulated, the police are advised to increase their intelligence function to detect persons selling weapons and smuggling from conflict areas. Furthermore, severe penalties must be applied in order to provide a deterrent effect on the community.

"First, improve the intelligence function, especially detecting internal leaks. Second, map areas prone to arms smuggling, especially in illegal entry routes from abroad. Third, create a deterrent effect on users or owners of illegal firearms with heavier penalties. , "said Ferdianand.

Severe punishment

Al-Azhar University legal expert Suparji Ahmad said, referring to Law number 12 of 1951 concerning firearms, tens of years of imprisonment or the death penalty await the offenders. However, the implementation and control of firearms is considered to be minimal.

In fact, in the existing regulations, it is clear that only the TNI and Polri have the right to use firearms. However, civilians who wish to own it must first have a permit.

"Civilians are not allowed to have firearms. But civilians can own it for the purpose of protecting themselves and it must be provided that there is permission from the police," said Suparji.

Law number 12 of 1951 concerning firearms, contains questions;

(1) Whoever, without the right to enter Indonesia, makes, receives, tries to obtain, deliver or tries to surrender, control, carry, have supplies in him or have in his property, keeps, transports, hides, uses or takes out from Indonesia a firearm. , munitions or other explosives, punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment or a maximum temporary imprisonment of twenty years