Andi Adam Faturahman, Jakarta – The Headquarters of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) claimed that they will continue to escort the investigation process of the case of soldiers attacking civilians in Sibiru-biru District, Deli Serdang Regency.
The Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Hariyanto, stated that the TNI Military Police Headquarters has questioned dozens of soldiers who are suspected of being involved in the attack, on Friday, November 8. "The TNI Headquarters will continue to escort the legal process of those involved until they are brought to trial," he said in a brief message on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
When asked whether the legal handling of the case will use the mechanism of public trial in the future, Hariyanto did not give a clear answer. He mentioned that the case handling will be carried out in accordance with the law.
"The law and disciplinary punishment will be imposed on the perpetrators," said Hariyanto.
The TNI Military Police Commander, Major General Yusri Nuryanto, stated that 45 detained soldiers are currently being questioned to determine their involvement in the incident which resulted in the death of one civilian. "The Military Police Command is currently securing 45 individuals for questioning," he said at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
In the future, Yusri mentioned that the soldiers involved in the attack will be sanctioned to be held accountable for their actions. He emphasized that the TNI Military Police will thoroughly investigate this incident, including identifying the soldier who acted as a provocateur.
"We will find out who was directly involved or maybe just followed others," said Yusri.
Earlier, dozens of TNI soldiers from the 2/105 Kilap Sumagan Artillery Battalion in Medan attacked residents of Selamat Village in Sibiru-biru District, Deli Serdang on Friday, November 8, 2024. Dozens of residents suffered injuries and one person was declared dead due to the attack.
The TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto stated that the TNI through the Bukit Barisan Regional Military Commander has processed dozens of soldiers involved in the attack. However, General Agus has not yet determined what sanctions will be imposed on the soldiers involved. He explained that the TNI is still waiting for the results of the Military Police investigation.
"But if the members violate, they will face punishment," said Agus.
The former Chief of Staff of the Army (KSAD) mentioned that the incident stemmed from soldiers warning young people or motorbike gangs who were driving dangerously and endangering other road users. However, he claimed that several residents did not accept the warning from the TNI soldiers, which led to verbal arguments and mass brawls.