Accused Of Stealing Fruit, Pekanbaru Residents Died Persecuted By Indonesian Navy Personnel

PekanBARU - A resident of Pekanbaru, Gunawan Sentosa (40), died after being suspected of being a victim of persecution by Indonesian Navy personnel. He and his colleague, Suprianto (45), are suspected of being persecuted for being accused of stealing breadfruit.

The persecution incident occurred on Friday, August 15 on Jalan Kuantan Satu, Limapuluh District, Pekanbaru, Riau. Video footage shows the two victims who are residents of Jalan Kampung Baru, Bambu Kuning Village, Tenayan Raya District, falling after being beaten by the perpetrator.

Head of the Indonesian Navy Information Service, First Admiral Tunggul, said that his party was committed to handling this case professionally in accordance with applicable legal provisions. "The personnel suspected of being involved have been detained by the Navy Military Police (POM AL) for questioning," he said as quoted by Antara in Jakarta, Tuesday, August 26.

According to Tunggul, the investigation process involved the Military Police Detachment (Denpom) Lanal Dumai, who is now gathering information and evidence related to the victim's family report. TNI AL ranks in the Dumai area helped with the investigation because they were suspected of involving soldiers who served in the TNI Headquarters," he explained.

Meanwhile, according to the victim's brother, Rudi, his sister and Suprianto were beaten with hoes and firearms. Both suffered injuries to the head and hands. After that, the victim was secured to the Limapuluh Police Headquarters, but was released because there were no reports from residents.

Gunawan and Suprianto were then taken to the Bhayangkara Hospital of the Riau Police for medical treatment, before returning to their respective homes. However, on Friday (22/8/2025), Gunawan was rushed back to the hospital and died a day later at Arifin Ahmad Hospital, Pekanbaru.