Highlighting Cases Of Abuse Of Police Firearms, Members Of Commission III Of The House Of Representatives Encourage Law Enforcement Reform

UNSPLASH/Maxim Hopman ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Member of Commission III of the House of Representatives Martin Tumbelaka highlighted the many cases of using firearms by members of the police to civilians. He asked the National Police to evaluate the use of guns, as well as encourage law enforcement reforms.

This was said by Martin in response to the murder of an expedition driver by members of the Central Kalimantan Police.

Martin assessed that there were many incidents that proved the police used their authority to "kill" under the pretext of law enforcement.

"We ask to evaluate so that the use of guns is not misused. Because there have been many incidents of Polri members using pistols at will," said Martin, Wednesday, December 18.

Commission III of the DPR previously held a hearing (RDP) with the Central Kalimantan Police Chief Inspector General Djoko Poerwanto regarding the murder case committed by a police officer in Central Kalimantan to residents with guns.

In the criminal case of theft and violence that resulted in the victim's death in Katingan Regency, the perpetrator was given a sanction in the form of Disrespectful Dismissal (PTDH).

Regarding this step, Martin appreciated the steps taken by the Central Kalimantan Police. Moreover, the person concerned was found positive for using drugs.

"For the Central Kalimantan Police Chief, of course we are grateful for processing its members who have committed violations and have been punished," he said.

"I see here that there is one problem, from the results of the perpetrator it is indicated that it uses psychotropic, namely methamphetamine," continued Martin.

Martin said this incident caught the attention of Commission III of the DPR. His party also asked the Police to carry out strict supervision and periodic checks on its members.

"Because this is one thing that is stated in the asta of President Prabowo Subianto's goal to eradicate drugs. So we encourage this to check routinely for members of the police, both from the National Police Headquarters, the Regional Police to the bottom, namely the Sector Police," said the legislator from the North Sulawesi electoral district.

Martin then brought up the case of using guns again within the Police. Some time ago, Commission III of the DPR also summoned the ranks of the Semarang Police and the Central Java Police in the shooting case carried out by Aipda Robig against Gamma Rizkinata (GR), a student at SMKN 4 Semarang.

The case was even colored by manipulation. Because initially the perpetrator was said to have shot the victim for fighting. Even though at the time of the incident there was no brawl, and it was later discovered that the perpetrator shot the victim because his motorbike was grazed.

"This incident also uses a gun that causes death. Of course we encourage the police to take more effective and maximum control measures for its members," said Martin.

According to Martin, the number of shooting cases carried out by police officers has caused unrest in the public. Some even asked the DPR to use its right of inquiry to resolve cases of abuse of senpi in the apparatus environment.

Based on data from the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), there were 45 extrajudicial killings committed by state officials in the period December 2023-November 2024. A total of 34 times were carried out by the police and 11 carried out by the TNI.

KontraS also revealed that 47 people died as a result of the behavior of the officers in the same period where 29 victims were caused by firearms and 18 victims as a result of torture. Therefore, Martin regretted the repressive actions of the officers like this.

"Marisnya, lebih dari 30 kasus terjadi dalam kurang lebih satu tahun. Harusnya polisi itu menyomi dan melindungi, bukan membunuh," pungkasnya.