Menko Polkam Calls for Severe Punishment for TNI Soldiers
In the wake of a tragic incident involving the shooting of three police officers during a raid on a cockfighting ring in Way Kanan, Lampung, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, has urged that the two Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel allegedly responsible be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The events unfolded on Monday, March 17, 2025, sending shockwaves through the community and sparking calls for justice.
Expressing his deep concern over the matter, Minister Budi emphasized the importance of swift and decisive action by the military and police leadership. He highlighted the need for a transparent legal process that would ensure that the perpetrators face the consequences of their actions without bias or favoritism. The two TNI soldiers at the center of the controversy were identified as Chief Sergeant Lubis, the commander of the Negara Batin Subdistrict Military Command, and Corporal Basarsyah, a member of the Negara Batin Subdistrict Military Command.
Minister Budi underscored the gravity of the situation, pointing out that the soldiers not only engaged in a fatal shooting that claimed the lives of three police officers but also actively shielded the cockfighting arena from law enforcement. “Such reprehensible acts, involving the use of live ammunition, resulted in the tragic loss of three police personnel from the local precinct or district in the Way Kanan area,” stated Minister Budi, emphasizing the severity of the violations committed.
Assuring the public of a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, Minister Budi reiterated his commitment to upholding the solidarity between the TNI and the National Police Force. “I can confirm that the unity between the TNI and the Police Force remains strong to this day. We will continue to take steps to strengthen our collaboration and enhance the solidarity between the TNI and the Police Force,” he affirmed, highlighting the importance of maintaining a united front in the face of adversity.
Deadly Confrontation Unfolds in Lampung
The tragic events unfolded in the rural village of Karang Manik, located in the Negara Batin District of Way Kanan, Lampung, on a fateful Monday afternoon around 4:50 PM local time. As the police moved in to crack down on the illegal cockfighting activities taking place in the area, a violent shootout erupted between law enforcement officers and the perpetrators near the cockfighting venue. The exchange of gunfire resulted in the tragic deaths of three police officers on the scene, including the Negara Batin District Police Chief Inspector Lusiyanto, Police Brigadier Petrus Apriyanto, and Police Officer Ghalib Surya Ganta.
The harrowing incident, which claimed the lives of dedicated law enforcement personnel, was allegedly instigated by rogue TNI members who were reportedly involved in overseeing the operation of the cockfighting ring. The brazen act of violence sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about the need to address issues of law enforcement accountability and interagency cooperation in combating criminal activities.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
As the investigations into the deadly clash continue, calls for justice and accountability have reverberated throughout the region. The tragic loss of life in the line of duty has underscored the risks faced by law enforcement officers and the critical need to uphold the rule of law in maintaining public order and security. The demands for swift and fair legal proceedings to hold the perpetrators accountable have gained momentum, with Minister Budi’s strong stance on ensuring that justice is served.
In the aftermath of the deadly confrontation, the community has come together to mourn the loss of the fallen officers and to show their solidarity with the law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting their safety and well-being. The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve on the front lines of law enforcement, risking their lives to uphold the principles of justice and order in society.
As the investigation unfolds and the legal process moves forward, the eyes of the nation are on the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that measures are taken to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring in the future. The need for accountability, transparency, and justice remains paramount in upholding the values of a just and equitable society, where the rule of law reigns supreme and the safety of all citizens is protected.
