Kepri Police Investigates a Police Officer Who Died in a Mess for Junior Officers

The atmosphere in the waiting room in front of the Forensic Facility at the Bhayangkara Police Hospital in Batam, Riau Islands, Tuesday (14/4/2026). ANTARA/Amandine Nadja

JAKARTA - The Riau Islands Regional Police (Polda Kepri) is investigating the case of the death of a police officer who allegedly suffered violence in the mess or police dormitory on Monday, April 13 evening.

"The Regional Police Chief of North Sumatra conveyed his condolences for the incident and had ordered the Head of the Professional and Security Division (Head of the Professional and Security Division) and the Director of Criminal Investigation (Director of Criminal Investigation) to carry out the legal process thoroughly," said the Head of Public Relations of the North Sumatra Regional Police, Kombes Pol Nona Pricillia Ohei when contacted in Batam, Tuesday, quoted by Antara.

The victim is known as Bripda Natanael Simanungkalit, a member of the 2025 Bintara Samapta. The victim is suspected of having been subjected to violence in the environment of the Junior Officer mess, although until now the exact cause of his death is still under investigation.

Currently, the victim's body is still at the Bhayangkara Hospital for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

"Currently the victim is at Bhayangkara Hospital for an autopsy," said Nona.

He emphasized that the Kepri Police would not tolerate violations in the case, no matter how small.

However, his party has not been able to determine the detailed chronology of the incident, including whether the victim was subjected to a beating or other forms of violence.

"For the estimated incidence, it is not certain, it is still in the process of being examined by the team. Several personnel have been secured and are currently being examined by the Propam and Ditreskrimum," he said.

Until this afternoon, there has been no official statement from the victim's family or medical personnel at the Bhayangkara Hospital regarding the cause of Bripda Natanael's death.