Indra Harsaputra, Surabaya – The East Java Police have accepted responsibility for recent fatalities caused by two separate incidents in Pasuruan and Bojonegoro, saying they acted negligently.
"We would like to apologize, especially to the relatives of victims in these two incidents, which have occurred before Idul Fitri. We are questioning the officers who allegedly committed these violations," East Java Police Chief Insp. Gen. Herman Surjadi Sumawiredja told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
The two incidents are important lessons for the police, he said, adding the police would improve their professionalism in safeguarding the public. A police officer accidentally shot a six-year-old girl to death Thursday and injured two others while escorting inmates to Bojonegoro Prison.
Several days before that, 21 women were killed in a stampede set off by Pasuruan businessman Syaikhon Fikri's distribution of alms to a crowd of more than 5,000, each of whom received Rp 30,000 (about US$3).
Police have been blamed for not implementing proper security measures during the alms events Monday in which 21 indigent individuals were killed and dozens more injured.
Police have detained an officer, Sec. Brig. Suprianto, in connection with the accidental shooting death of Sri Wahyuni.
The body of Sri was buried Thursday, with her mother, Supatmi, and an inmate, Aziz Sulaiman, receiving treatment Friday at the Sosodoro General Hospital for injuries sustained during the shooting.
"The suspect, Suprianto, could be charged under Article 359 of the criminal code on negligence resulting in the death of another, including facing jail time and dismissal from the police," Herman said.
Police are questioning several high ranking officers, including the Pasuruan Police chief, deputy chief and intelligence head, in connection with the stampede tragedy, he added.
"The three will be firmly sanctioned if we find evidence they acted negligently in carrying out their duty to secure the area," Herman said, adding the three men could be considered negligent as they were unaware a crowd of 5,000 had gathered at the entrepreneur's house, which is located 1.5 kilometers from the police station.
Police have questioned Syaikhon, naming his son Faruq – the coordinator for the alms distribution – as a suspect in the case.
State officials, politicians, religious leaders and intellectuals have publicly deplored the tragedy while expressing their sympathy for the victims.
Giving alms to the poor is a central teaching of Islam, with many Muslims preferring to distribute alms during Ramadan, when it is believed they will receive more blessings for their acts of charity.
Many Muslims choose to give alms directly to the poor, lacking trust in existing private and state-run charitable institutions.
One of the 11 surviving stampede victims is currently in critical condition in Soedarsono General Hospital's intensive care unit, said Sugent Winarto, the hospital's director.
"A team of doctors is still treating Supriati, as her condition has not yet shown signs of improvement," Sugeng added.
Supriati's condition has been steadily worsening since she began intensive treatment at the hospital three days ago, he said.