Tangerang, Indonesia Sentinel – A tragic incident unfolded at the Rest Area Km 45 on the Tangerang-Merak Toll Road in the early hours of January 2, 2025, resulting in the death of a car rental business owner and injuries to another individual. The suspect, identified as a TNI member (the Indonesian Navy) has been taken into custody by the Navy’s Military Police Center (Puspomal).
The Commander of the TNI Military Police Center, Major General Yusri Nuryanto, confirmed the development. “The suspect has been secured at Puspomal,” he stated on Friday, January 3, while refraining from divulging details about the suspect’s identity or the circumstances of the arrest.
The Incident: A Pursuit Turns Deadly
The events leading to the shooting began with a pursuit involving the victims, the late IAR (48) and RAB (60), who were attempting to recover stolen vehicles from their car rental business. The chase, conducted with the help of several colleagues and coordinated with the Indonesian Car Rental Association (ARMI), initially spanned several kilometers.
According to Rizky Agam (24), the son of IAR, the pursuit started when they tracked two rental cars being driven by suspects toward Jalan Raya Anyer-Carita in Pandeglang, Banten. The team devised a strategy to maintain a safe distance of about 10 kilometers from the suspects’ vehicles to avoid detection.
The pursuit took an unexpected turn as the vehicles appeared to head toward Merak, possibly aiming to cross to Lampung. However, the route shifted toward Jakarta, and the chase resumed along the toll road. With assistance from ARMI, efforts were made to intercept the stolen vehicles at multiple checkpoints, including Cikande, Balaraja, and Cikupa.
The pursuit culminated at the Rest Area Km 45, where the suspects’ vehicle was parked near a convenience store. When IAR and his team confronted the individuals in possession of the stolen car, the situation escalated rapidly.
TNI Member Fatal Shooting: Multiple Shots Fired
Witness accounts describe a tense and chaotic scene. Rizky recalled that as his group approached the vehicle, the suspect, driving a separate car, lowered the window and fired several shots toward them.
“The suspect opened fire, discharging 4-5 shots at us,” Rizky said. “I ran for cover and sought help near the gas station, but no one came to assist.”
The shooting left IAR fatally wounded with a gunshot to the chest. RAB, another member of the group, sustained injuries during the incident.
TNI Member Evidence and Arrest
Police have gathered significant evidence, including CCTV footage from the rest area, to identify the suspect. Kasie Humas Polresta Tangerang Ipda Purbawa stated that law enforcement has pieced together the suspect’s profile and is conducting further investigations.
“For now, we have identified the suspect based on CCTV footage, but we are still pursuing more evidence and coordinating arrests,” Purbawa explained.
While the exact motive behind the shooting remains unclear, initial reports suggest it may be connected to an attempted car rental embezzlement scheme.
Military Response and Public Outcry
The involvement of a military personnel in the incident has drawn widespread attention. TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto confirmed that the suspect is a member of the Indonesian Navy and assured the public that the case will be handled with transparency.
“If proven guilty, the individual will face strict legal consequences according to applicable laws,” Agus emphasized.
The victim’s family, devastated by the loss, has called for justice. Rizky expressed relief upon learning of the suspect’s capture but demanded the harshest punishment for the crime.
“I hope the perpetrator receives the heaviest sentence for taking my father’s life,” Rizky stated. He also expressed gratitude to the authorities and ARMI for their efforts in handling the case.
Community and Legal Perspectives
The shooting has sparked discussions about accountability within the military and the need for stringent measures to address misconduct. Observers have urged the TNI to ensure that justice is served, particularly in cases involving its members.
Legal experts suggest that the suspect could face dual investigations: one under military jurisdiction and another under civilian criminal law, depending on the nature of the charges.
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Next Steps in the Investigation
As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on several key areas:
- Forensic Analysis: Ballistic tests on the recovered weapon and examination of CCTV footage to confirm the sequence of events.
- Witness Testimonies: Statements from Rizky and other members of the pursuit team to corroborate the evidence.
- Motive Exploration: Determining whether the shooting was premeditated or a reaction to the confrontation.
The police and military have assured the public of a thorough and unbiased investigation.
(Becky)
