Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesia Police Watch (IPW) has reported a threefold increase in police suicide cases in 2024. IPW calling it a serious issue that demands urgent solutions from the Indonesian National Police (Polri).
According to IPW, nine police officers have taken their own lives this year, compared to just three cases in 2023. “This is a critical problem that Polri must address in 2025, alongside the issue of excessive use of firearms by its personnel,” said IPW Chairman Sugeng Teguh Santoso in a statement, as reported by Tirto on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
Sugeng urged Polri to prioritize mental health initiatives for its officers to prevent further incidents. “Polri needs to strengthen mental health programs, monitor workplace stress, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues,” he said.
He emphasized the need for a healthier work environment, particularly for officers exposed to high-risk duties.
“This is already regulated under Police Regulation No. 2 of 2022 concerning Internal Supervision within Polri. The regulation, signed by Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo on March 16, 2022, mandates superiors to monitor their subordinates closely,” Sugeng explained.
IPW stressed the importance of leadership by example, open communication, conflict resolution, and recognition of officers’ contributions.
“When subordinates feel supported, their psychological burdens can be addressed constructively, preventing impulsive actions such as suicide,” Sugeng said.
He cited two examples from April 2024, where officers ended their lives with firearms.
The first case involved Police Commissioner Tumanggor, who died in his car at a police housing complex in Semarang, Central Java, allegedly due to family issues.
The second incident involved Brigadier Ridhal Ali Tomi, a traffic officer from Manado Police Department, who was found dead in a Toyota Alphard in South Jakarta on April 25, 2024.
Misuse of Firearms Sparks Public Outcry
Beyond the rise in suicides, IPW also highlighted an alarming increase in firearm misuse by police officers, with four fatal incidents recorded between September and November 2024.
“These cases have sparked public controversy, with critics arguing that police officers should not be armed, while supporters maintain that firearms are necessary for law enforcement duties,” Sugeng said.
One notable case involved the fatal shooting of a student, Gamma Rizkynata Oktafandy, by Aipda Robig Zaenudin, a narcotics officer in Semarang, on November 24, 2024.
Police Officer Dismissed and Becomes ‘Suspect’ Over Fatal Shooting on Teenager in Semarang
Another incident occurred in West Bangka, Bangka Belitung Province, where a resident named Beni was shot 12 times by a Brimob (Mobile Brigade) officer on September 24, 2024. Beni had been accused of stealing palm fruit from a plantation guarded by the police force.
“These incidents have raised questions about professionalism within Polri, despite clear regulations and standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing firearm use,” Sugeng said.
IPW urged Polri to ensure that officers authorized to carry firearms are properly trained, adhere to regulations, and demonstrate emotional stability when handling weapons.
Officers must also prioritize safety, act responsibly, and refrain from using firearms to assert dominance or intimidate civilians, Sugeng concluded.
(Raidi/Agung)
