Shoot Students In Semarang To Death, DPR Condemns Police: Don't Use Firearms As Soon As Possible

DOC/Process exhumation of the grave of the alleged victim of the shooting of GRO (17) at the Bangunrejo TPU, Saradan Village, Karangmalang District, Sragen Regency, Central Java, Friday (29/11/2024). ANTARA/Aris Wasita

JAKARTA - Member of Commission III of the House of Representatives Martin Daniel Tumbelaka, condemned the actions of the police who shot SMKN 4 Semarang students to death. Martin reminded the police not to use firearms arbitrarily.

According to Martin, the National Police must investigate and evaluate the use of firearms (senpi) on its members. He emphasized that the task of the National Police should protect the community, not injure.

"I strongly condemn the incident. Shooting cases like this are not only once or twice, so it must be evaluated in the use of guns. Members should not use guns arbitrarily and make people victims," said Martin, Monday, December 2.

Martin emphasized that the arrogance of the apparatus to the community must be stopped. He also assessed that there must be routine psychological tests for members of the National Police.

"There must be an evaluation of the rules regarding the use of guns. Including periodic psychological tests for members who are authorized to hold firearms. Do not let any people be injured again just because of the arrogance of police officers," he continued.

Martin assessed that there must be clarity on the issue of the police shooting this community. The reason, said Martin, was a contradictory statement from the school and family, as well as the police in the shooting case.

"It must be straightened out immediately and found the truth. Don't cover anything up," said the legislator from the North Sulawesi electoral district.

Martin also highlighted the police claim that the perpetrator with the rank of Aipda with the initials RZ was forced to release two bullets to break up the brawl. The perpetrator also admitted that he was attacked by a brawl mob so that he fired his gun.

If you mean to intervene, why are the guns not directed up so they don't hit people. This is still a child. For example, it is true that there was a brawl, they will definitely withdraw only with warning shots, "explained Martin.

"But if it hits the victim, it means that the gun is directed forward. It should be suspected that there was a mens rea or malicious intent from the perpetrator who deliberately pointed a gun at the victim," he continued.

Martin reminded in Article 8 of Perkap Number 1 of 2009 concerning the Use of Strength in Police Action that police are only allowed to use firearms if their safety is threatened, do not have other alternative actions, or to prevent the escape of criminals who are threats to the lives of members of the Police or the community.

"But in reality weapons are often used to show power and arrogance. If so continues, the people will feel threatened and uncomfortable even though the authorities should protect the community," said Martin.

Martin said the shooting carried out by members of the Semarang Polrestabes had raised questions about law enforcement ethics.

"How can an institution in charge of maintaining public security shoot at victims who are still students? Apart from violating human rights, these police officers have violated human values and deprived children of their rights," he said.

Currently, the police stated that they were conducting an in-depth investigation of the police who carried out the shooting. The shooter has also been detained or undergoing special placement in the Central Java Regional Police with the status of being investigated.

The victim's family has also reported to the Directorate of General Criminal Investigation of the Central Java Police. Various independent institutions, including Komnas HAM, also oversee this case.

"Because of the many controversies in this case, it is necessary for many eyes to carry out surveillance. Including us from Commission III of the DPR, we will also continue to oversee the shooting case in Semarang," concluded Martin.