Policeman breaks down in tears after being sacked over death of delivery rider during Indonesia protest
A police officer in Indonesia broke down in tears after being dismissed for his role in a fatal incident where an armoured police vehicle ran over a 21-year-old delivery rider during a protest in Jakarta.
Source: METRO TV on YouTube
The tragedy occurred on the night of 28 Aug in Pejompongan, near the parliament complex, when the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) tactical vehicle was deployed to disperse demonstrators.
The victim, identified as online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan, was killed instantly.
During a Police Code of Ethics Commission hearing on Wednesday (3 Sept), Commissioner Cosmas Kaju Gae, a mid-ranking officer who served as Battalion Commander in Brimob Regiment IV, was dishonourably discharged from the force.
Officer says he had no idea they killed a man
Cosmas, who was seated in the front passenger seat next to the driver at the time of the incident, insisted he never intended to harm anyone.
Source: Media Indonesia
He claimed he only learned that the rider had died hours later when videos of the incident went viral on social media.
“Regarding the incident, it was never my intention. For God’s sake, I never meant to hurt anyone, but the incident has already happened,” he said, crying during the hearing, which was broadcast live by the police.
Source: METRO TV on YouTube
Cosmas also apologised to National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and fellow officers, saying his actions were only aimed at maintaining order during the protest.
The National Police spokesman described Cosmas’ conduct as “reprehensible”, adding that it warranted dishonourable discharge as a member of the force.
Before the ruling, Cosmas had already undergone 20 days of special placement while awaiting the outcome of the case.
He now has three days to appeal the decision, which he said he will consider after consulting with his family.
6 others face disciplinary action
In addition to Cosmas, six other Brimob officers were involved in the incident and are facing ethics proceedings.
This includes Bripka Rohmat, who was driving the vehicle at the time.
Source: @rafliandrian04 on TikTok
As the driver, he is considered to have committed a serious ethics violation and could face dishonourable dismissal from the force.
The five other officers who were passengers in the vehicle are considered to have committed moderate violations and may face penalties such as demotions or reassignment.
Meanwhile, protests continue across Indonesia, with authorities reporting at least 23 people missing.
Amid the unrest, the Indonesian President reportedly left the country to attend a commemoration in China marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
Also read: Delivery rider killed in Jakarta protest by speeding police vehicle, hundreds take part in funeral
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Featured image adapted from KOMPASTV on YouTube and @rafliandrian04 on TikTok.
