JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Amnesty International Indonesia has called for a comprehensive investigation into an alleged attack by members of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) on civilians in Selamat Village, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, on November 8. The assault resulted in the death of one individual and left several others severely injured.

Usman Hamid, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, condemned the actions of the military, stating, “The TNI is meant to protect the people, not be involved in violence against civilians, especially not to the extent of murder, as seen in Selamat Village last weekend.”

He emphasized that a thorough investigation is needed, saying, “We demand the Indonesian Military Headquarters (TNI) to fully investigate and hold all involved parties accountable, from those on the ground to those in command. He stressed the importance of addressing both the soldiers directly involved and the military leadership that oversees them.

“It is not enough to punish the soldiers on the ground,” Hamid added.

“Commanding officers must be investigated to determine whether they were directly involved or whether they allowed their subordinates to carry out this attack. For justice to be served, this case must be handled transparently and thoroughly.”

Amnesty International also urged that all those responsible be tried in civilian courts, calling it essential for ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

“An open and fair legal process is crucial for justice to be served and to prevent similar incidents in the future,” He stated.

Without decisive action, Amnesty International warned that impunity for military personnel could further undermine public trust in state institutions.

“Without proper accountability, violence like this may continue, and the public’s confidence in the government and its institutions will weaken,” said Hamid.

The human rights organization also called on the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to intervene. Amnesty urged them to investigate the case, provide protection to the victims and their families, and ensure that the case is fully exposed to the public for justice to prevail.

Background of the Incident

The violent incident took place on the night of November 8 when a group of TNI personnel allegedly entered Selamat Village in Sibiru-biru District, Deli Serdang. The soldiers reportedly arrived in the village searching for individuals involved in a previous altercation with them on a nearby road.

According to local reports, the situation escalated quickly, with soldiers turning their aggression toward local civilians. The attack left one villager dead and several others seriously injured. The victims included people from various backgrounds, with different degrees of injury.

The Indonesian Military’s Bukit Barisan Command confirmed that 33 soldiers from the Artillery Battalion-2/Kilap Sumagan are under investigation by the Military Police for their involvement in the incident. These soldiers are accused of using excessive force, including lethal violence against unarmed civilians.

The head of Selamat Village provided more details to the media, explaining that around 10:00 PM, the group of armed soldiers arrived in the village. They were reportedly looking for individuals involved in an earlier dispute on a nearby road. However, instead of resolving the issue, the situation escalated into an attack on the villagers.

The assault resulted in the tragic death of a 62-year-old man from Ajibaho, Selamat Village, who suffered fatal stab wounds to his back, a fractured skull, and eye injuries. Additionally, a 44-year-old man from Tanjung Sena was severely injured, with deep lacerations to his head and the loss of his left hand.

Other victims included a 20-year-old man from Pasar 9 Gang Sari Sibiru-biru, who sustained severe facial bruising after being struck with blunt objects, and a 35-year-old schoolteacher from Asabri Housing who was left with 12 stitches on his head, bruising around his eyes, and a sprained wrist.

In the aftermath of the attack, hundreds of villagers gathered to protest outside the headquarters of the Armed Forces Battalion 2 Kilap Sumagan on November 9. They demanded accountability from the Battalion Commander, urging him to take responsibility for the deaths and injuries caused by the soldiers under his command.

The protesters, carrying an ambulance believed to be transporting the body of the deceased victim, called for justice and for those responsible to be held fully accountable. “We will not stop until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” one of the protest organizers stated.

Amnesty International continues to urge the Indonesian authorities to conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the incident, ensuring that all involved, from the soldiers on the ground to higher-ranking military officials, are held accountable. The organization stresses that only through such measures can trust in Indonesia’s military justice system be restored. (Uki Ruknuddin)

YouTube player