Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A 17-year-old vocational high school student in Semarang, identified as GR, was fatally shot by police officer while attempting to break up a violent clash between rival gangs. The incident occurred early Sunday (November 24, 2024) around1 1 a.m. local time in the Paramount residential area of West Semarang.
According to Semarang Police Chief Commissioner Irwan Anwar, revealed that GR was allegedly a member of the Tanggul Pojok gang, which was involved in a brawl with the Seroja gang. Police at the scene reportedly trying to break up the fight but were met with resistance from the teenagers and got attacked.
“When officers intervened to disperse the gangs, they were attacked, forcing them to take decisive action,” Anwar said during a press briefing Monday evening (November 25, 2024).
GR sustained a gunshot wound to the hip during the altercation. Members of the opposing gang, Seroja, reportedly helped transport him to Kariadi General Hospital along with the police. “It was the members of the rival gang and our officers who assisted in bringing the victim to the hospital,” Anwar noted.
The police chief stated that GR was carrying a sharp weapon at the time of the incident, which has been secured as evidence. Authorities are awaiting an autopsy report to confirm the cause of death, though initial findings suggest it was from the gunshot wound.
The family of GR was informed of his death the following day, as police worked to confirm his identity before notifying them.
Officer Under Investigation
The officer who fired the shot that killed GR is now under investigation, Semarang Police Chief Commissioner Irwan Anwar confirmed. Anwar explained that the officer was passing through the Paramount residential area around 1 a.m. local time on Sunday (November 24, 2024), on his way home when he encountered the violent brawl.
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Upon attempting to intervene, the officer claimed he was attacked, prompting him to fire his weapon, one of the bullets striking the victim. “The officer’s actions are currently being reviewed by our internal affairs division (Paminal),” Anwar stated during a press conference.
The Semarang Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident. Anwar noted that 12 individuals have been questioned, with four suspects identified. Several sharp weapons were also confiscated as part of the inquiry.
Meanwhile, the Central Java Regional Police’s Internal Affairs Division is also investigating the actions of the officer, identified as Bripka R, to determine whether there were any violations in the use of his firearm.
(Raidi/Agung)
