Jakarta – National Police chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo has transferred Semarang City Police chief Sr. Comr. Irwan Anwar amid an investigation by Central Java Police of a fatal shooting incident that killed a vocational high school student.
Irwan was reassigned as head of the Police Professional Consultation Institute at the Police Science College (STIK) based on a telegram letter signed by Listyo on Dec. 29.
Central Java Police chief spokesman Sr. Comr. Artanto said that the transfer was not related to the fatal shooting case, adding that, in addition to Irwan, 17 other police chiefs in Central Java were also reassigned.
"The transfer is not [related to the shooting case]. The rotation is part of refreshment, tour of duty and tour of the area," Artanto said on Monday, as quoted by kompas.id.
Irwan had previously been under the spotlight for his statement that the death of the 17-year-old student, identified only as GRO, occurred because his subordinate, Adj. Second Insp. Robig Zaenudin, attempted to disperse a brawl.
In a meeting at the House of Representatives in Jakarta earlier this month, Irwan told lawmakers that one of the teenager's motorbikes nearly collided with Robig when it sped past him.
Robig chased after the group and eventually realized that his shot had wounded GRO.
Irwan said that his subordinate had used "excessive force" and been "neglectful in assessing the situation".
"I am fully prepared to take responsibility and be evaluated," Irwan said in front of lawmakers.
Central Java Police internal affairs division head Sr. Comr. Aris Supriyono clarified during the same meeting that Robig's decision to open fire on the students had nothing to do with any attempt to disperse the brawl.
Robig is currently under investigation by the Central Java Police and has been dishonorably discharged from the force. (jan)