DPR Asks To Evaluate The Use Of Firearms By The TNI After The Shooting On The Merak Toll Road

JAKARTA - Member of Commission I DPR RI, Amelia Anggraini, supports a thorough evaluation of the use of firearms (senpi) within the TNI following the shooting incident by unscrupulous members of the Indonesian Navy on the Tangerang-Merak Toll Road that killed a resident.

Amelia emphasized that although the TNI already has clear standard operating procedures (SOP), supervision of the implementation of the SOP must be further tightened to prevent the misuse of firearms.

"This case reminds us that existing procedures must be carried out with high discipline to prevent the misuse of weapons," Amelia said in her statement, Tuesday, January 7.

Amelia also suggested evaluating the policy of assigning elite troops as aides, considering that the task has a high risk if it is not properly monitored.

According to him, of the three Indonesian Navy personnel involved in this case, two of them were soldiers of the Frog Troop Command (Kopaska), elite units of the Indonesian Navy, and one of them served as aides to officials.

As a large and experienced institution, the TNI has a monitoring mechanism for its personnel. However, Amelia assessed that strengthening monitoring and moral and mental development of soldiers must be carried out consistently to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"Commission I of the DPR RI will continue to carry out its supervisory function against the TNI to ensure that the professionalism and credibility of this institution are maintained," said Amelia.

He also appreciated the rapid steps taken by the Indonesian Navy in handling this case by ensuring that the perpetrators had been secured by the TNI Military Police. According to him, this step reflects the institution's commitment to law enforcement.

"As a member of Commission I of the DPR RI, I emphasize the importance of a transparent and accountable legal process," he added.

If the perpetrator is found guilty in a military court, Amelia encourages strict and open dismissal as a follow-up step that reflects the discipline and justice within the TNI.

He also highlighted the importance of law enforcement in accordance with the laws and independence of military judicial bodies to maintain public trust in TNI institutions.

"We believe that the TNI leadership is able to handle this issue wisely and decisively, as well as take lessons to strengthen public trust in the TNI," concluded Amelia.

Previously, the Commander of the Indonesian Navy Fleet Command, Vice Admiral TNI Denih Hendrata, stated that the members of the Indonesian Navy who carried out the shooting on the Tangerang-Merak Toll Road carried firearms because of their duties as aides.

He added that his party would evaluate the use of firearms by members of the Indonesian Navy, even though the weapons were used to protect escorted officials, including himself.