Jakarta – Military Police have arrested four officers from the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) over accusations that they had physically abused four minors last week.
The arrests were made following last Thursday's questioning of the officers, in which they were confirmed to be involved in the case, Kostrad spokesman Lt. Col. Husni said Monday. "[The officers] admitted to the offense," he said.
He added they would be placed in detention for up to 20 days, pending the preparation of their dossiers, before going before a military tribunal.
Last week, the National Commission for Child Protection filed a report with the Military Police alleging that several Kostrad officers in Cilodong, Depok, had assaulted four children accused of stealing a bicycle.
In its report, the commission alleged the officers had dragged the children along a road and beaten them in the face and torso in front of their parents.
In its follow-up to the report, the Military Police questioned the alleged victims, their parents and also the officers.
The four children also underwent a medical examination at a hospital.
Child protection commission secretary-general Arist Merdeka Sirait called the case "a huge violation of human rights", adding he hoped the tribunal would provide justice for the children and their families.
Servicemen cannot be charged under the criminal code, and critics say this has allowed for gross miscarriages of justice in the past. Husni, however, said the military was treating this case very seriously.
He added even though an amicable settlement had been sought, the case would still go to a tribunal. Critics say the accused officers will likely get off with light punishment, with a dishonorable discharge not in the cards.
Under the Criminal Code, applicable to civilians, an assault conviction carries a minimum prison sentence of five years.
Arist said the four children, who were severely traumatized, have gone back to school as of Monday.
Analysts say the case highlights both the problem of jurisdiction vis-a-vis servicemen, and the culture of violence against children.
The traditional view among many parents is that some measure of violence is justified to instill a sense of discipline in children.
The Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry last month launched a national action plan to address the issue. The ministry blames the culture of violence on poor public awareness, poverty and overpopulation.
The action plan will draw in other concerned parties, including government agencies, NGOs, the public and the media.