25 Soldiers Named Suspects in Deadly Deli Serdang Attack Against Civilians

SUMATRA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Military Police (Pomdam) of the Bukit Barisan Command (I/BB) announced that 25 soldiers from the 2nd Field Artillery Battalion (Yonarmed 2/Kilap Sumagan) have been named suspects in an attack on civilians in the village of Cinta Adil, located in the Sibiru-biru District, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra.

Major General Hariyanto, the Head of the Military Information Center (Kapuspen TNI), confirmed that all soldiers involved in the incident have undergone investigation and legal procedures by Pomdam I/BB. “The 25 soldiers have been officially named suspects. The investigation process is continuing, with each soldier’s involvement being assessed accordingly,” he stated.

On December 3, 2024, Lieutenant General Mochammad Hasan, the Commander of the Bukit Barisan Military Command, clarified that more than 50 soldiers from the Yonarmed 2/Kilap Sumagan Battalion had been interrogated. After careful investigation, half of them were identified as suspects in the attack.

The investigation, which lasted several weeks, was thorough and meticulous. According to Lt. Gen. Hasan, the delay in announcing the suspects was necessary to ensure that each soldier’s level of involvement was properly identified. “We needed to be precise in our decisions because the case will ultimately be submitted to the court,” he explained.

The incident took place on November 8, 2024, when tensions escalated in the village of Cinta Adil. The soldiers from Yonarmed 2/Kilap Sumagan, under the command of Lt. Gen. Hasan at the time, reportedly attacked civilians. One civilian, identified as RAB, aged 62, tragically lost his life in the assault, and several others sustained injuries.

In response to the incident, hundreds of local residents held a protest at the Armed Forces Base of the 2nd Field Artillery Battalion (Batalyon Armed 2/KS) in Deli Serdang. The attack has sparked significant public outrage, drawing attention to the conduct of military personnel in the region.

Lt. Gen. Hasan served dual roles as the Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Sesmenko Polkam) and Commander of Military Area Command I/Bukit Barisan until December 2, 2024. His resignation from the position of military commander was officially announced on December 3, with Major General Rio Firdianto taking over the role.

Following the legal proceedings, the soldiers involved in the attack will face judicial review, and the case will be brought before a military court for further action. The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure that justice is served.

This incident has brought attention to the responsibility of military personnel in maintaining order and discipline, particularly in civilian matters. The military authorities are committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in the handling of the case. (Uki Ruknuddin)