What We Know So Far About Death of Boy Allegedly Abused by Police in Padang

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Afif Maulana (AM), a 13-year-old boy, was found dead under the Kuranji Bridge in Padang, West Sumatra on June 9, 2024. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation, with allegations of police brutality sparking public outrage.

Discovery of the Body

The body was discovered by a resident while disposing of rubbish under the bridge. The Kuranji Police later confirmed the identity of the deceased as AM.

Police Account

Deputy Chief of the Padang City Police, Adj. Comr. Rully Indra Wijayanto, stated in a press release that AM was part of a group involved in a brawl in the early hours of June 9. The Samapta Bhayangkara police unit, tasked with dispersing such convoy, apprehended 18 individuals from the group, but AM was reportedly not among them.

According to Rully, a witness named Adit, who was giving AM a piggyback ride at the time, stated that AM asked him to jump into the Kuranji Bridge to avoid the police. However, Adit refused and surrendered to the authorities.

LBH Padang's Allegations

The Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Padang, however, disputed the police account. Director Indira Suryani suspected that AM died from police abuse based on their investigation and witness testimonies.

AM’s friend, identified only by the initial "A", claimed he was riding a motorbike with AM when they were approached by a police patrol. Suddenly, the police kicked their motorbike, causing AM to fall. The witness further claimed that before he was taken to Kuranji Police Station, he saw AM being surrounded by police officers holding rattan.

AM's Injuries and Autopsy

LBH Padang reports that AM's body exhibited bruises on his waist, back, wrists, and elbows, with a blue discoloration on his left cheek and a head wound. Indira said that the family was allegedly informed by the police that AM died due to broken ribs and a punctured lung.

Official Investigation

West Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Suharyono denied any police misconduct, stressing that there was no evidence or witness testimony to support the torture allegations. Suharyono upholded Adit's account of AM attempting to jump into the river.

40 Witnesses Examined

An investigation is ongoing, with over 40 witnesses questioned, including police personnel. Authorities also sought information from social media users who shared the witness testimonies. Suharyono assured transparency and a commitment to holding any involved officers accountable.

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

The cause of AM's death remains unclear as autopsy results are pending. The National Police Commission (Kompolnas) has urged the West Sumatra Police to conduct a thorough and professional investigation using scientific methods. Kompolnas Commissioner Poengky Indarti emphasized the importance of transparent communication with the victim's family and the public. He also maintained that any officers found to have abused AM should face legal and disciplinary consequences, including dismissal.

RADEN PUTRI | TIM TEMPO

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