A 14-year-old Indonesian boy has died after being allegedly struck by a police officer’s tactical helmet, prompting condemnation from human rights groups who have labelled the incident an “extrajudicial killing”. The teenager, Arianto Tawakal, was assaulted in Maluku province by a member of the Indonesian National Police's Mobile Brigade, second brigadier Masias Siahaya, according to local reports.
The officer claimed he was monitoring illegal street racing, but the victim’s family denied that the boy was speeding. Videos circulating on social media show the boy covered in blood. Amnesty International Indonesia’s executive director, Usman Hamid, described the attack as a “serious violation of human rights”.
The family said the teenager was riding a motorcycle with his older brother when the officer allegedly jumped out from behind a tree and struck the rider in the face with his helmet. The boy lost control, and his head dragged along the asphalt. He was taken to hospital but died from severe brain haemorrhaging.
Police said the officer swung his helmet to signal the boy to stop, but it allegedly struck him on the temple. The victim’s father, Rijik Fikri Tawakal, denied any warning was given and said his son was shocked when the officer struck him. “What I regret is that they lifted my child as if he were an animal,” he said.
Mr Hamid highlighted a pattern of police violence, referencing the death of student Gamma Rizkynata Oktavandy in Semarang. “Their cover-up of the truth only further undermines public trust in the police,” he said. The officer involved has been detained and will face criminal and ethical proceedings, with possible dismissal without honour if found guilty.
