The shooting of a police officer by a colleague in South Solok, West Sumatra, and the death of a vocational high school student in Semarang, Central Java, after reportedly being struck by a stray bullet have sparked widespread discussion about the potential misuse of firearms by security forces.
The incidents have not only disturbed the public's sense of security, but also raised questions about the adequacy of existing regulations and oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
While firearms are essential tools for law enforcement officers in self-defense and task execution, their use carries immense responsibility and the risk of misuse, if not accompanied by strict oversight, adequate training, and stable psychological state of the officer wielding them.
Recent events suggest that these factors may not have been fully considered by the Indonesian authorities yet.
As a first step, a comprehensive review of regulations governing officers' use of firearms is necessary.
Police Regulation Number 8 of 2009 is the cornerstone for implementing human rights principles and standards in Indonesian police operations.
The regulation emphasizes the importance of issuing clear warnings before using firearms unless immediate action is necessary to prevent death or serious injury. Officers are also instructed to fire warning shots into the air or ground as a final deterrent.
However, challenges persist in the practical implementation of this regulation.
Consistent oversight is often lacking, and firearms may be issued to officers without adequate psychological evaluation, despite the critical role of mental health in decision-making in the field.
In a 2022 study published in the Journal of Lex Theory, researchers Arman Hidayat, Syahruddin Nawi, and Nasrullah Arsyad investigated the misuse of firearms by South Sulawesi Regional Police (Polda) officers in Makassar City.
The study identified legal structures, knowledge, and cultural factors as significant contributors to this issue.
To address the problem, the researchers recommended several measures.
For one, rigorous professional recruitment and proportional placement processes are of fundamental importance.
Police must also carry out enhanced supervision by implementing specialized and responsive oversight for officers authorized to carry firearms, the researchers said.
Officers should also be provided with intensive and consistent training, including mental health and specialized skill development training.
Controlled firearm access — granting firearm access periodically and selectively — is also important as it allows for timely withdrawal in cases of behavioral changes or potential misuse.
Officers should also be trained in decision-making, emphasizing proportionality and accountability in addition to regular and comprehensive training, which focuses on technical shooting skills.
These measures aim to mitigate risks, particularly when officers are under emotional stress or experiencing severe stress.
In the Semarang incident, which led to the death of a vocational high school student, any initial indication of the officer's non-compliance with standard operating procedures for non-emergency situations would highlight a failure to internalize the fundamental principles guiding the use of force.
Moreover, institutional culture can also influence firearm misuse.
Therefore, it is essential to prevent a culture of toxic masculinity from taking root within law enforcement units to ensure that firearm ownership does not get associated with status or power.
If such a culture is allowed to persist, firearms will become symbols of power rather than tools of protection, increasing the risk of misuse for personal gain.
This could severely damage the police institution's reputation and erode public trust.
Policy recommendation
To prevent police misuse of firearms, layered regulations, such as Regulation of the Chief of Police Number 1 of 2009, have been implemented.
This regulation emphasizes a reporting mechanism to ensure accountability and justice.
Researchers from the University of Pekalongan — Nur Fatoni, Listyo Budi Santoso, S.H., M.Kn., and Nurul Huda, S.H., M.Hum. — analyzed regulations governing firearm use, identified factors contributing to misuse, and examined existing prevention efforts.
They highlighted both internal factors, such as officers' understanding of rules, ethics, and their psychological state, as well as external factors, such as leadership oversight and operational conditions, for firearm misuse.
To address the issue, a multi-faceted approach is recommended by the study, such as stricter personnel selection, regular psychological evaluations, and periodic reviews, in addition to stricter regulations and consistent sanctions to deter misuse and increase accountability.
By combining these strategies, regulations can be strengthened and their consistent enforcement can be ensured to prevent firearm misuse.
Solutions to this problem do exist, and several recommendations can be made to address it:
First, a stricter internal supervision mechanism is necessary.
Every firearm ownership permit should be accompanied by independent and ongoing psychological evaluations, including assessments of work stress and mental health. Regular audits of firearm ownership and use can also proactively detect potential misuse.
Second, firearm use training must be comprehensively improved, encompassing technical, psychological, and ethical aspects.
Officers should be trained not only in precise shooting but also in the appropriate use of firearms, in line with legal principles and human rights. Here, simulation-based training programs, as implemented in many developed countries, can serve as effective models.
Third, institutional cultural reform is essential to promote a greater focus on public service and human rights.
Leaders at all levels must exemplify accountability and transparency, particularly in handling firearm misuse cases. Additionally, the public reporting system for alleged abuse of force must be optimized and secured to encourage public reporting of suspicious incidents.
Finally, a more empathetic approach to officer mental health is needed.
Stressful work environments often contribute to firearm abuse. Mental health support programs, such as regular counseling and institutional psychological services, can help officers manage stress in healthier ways.
Ultimately, preventing firearm abuse by officers requires a strong institutional commitment to genuine structural reform.
The incidents in South Solok and Semarang must serve as catalysts for systemic improvements that address not only the actions of individual officers but also the underlying contributing factors.
By consistently enforcing regulations, implementing rigorous oversight, and fostering a positive institutional culture, public trust in law enforcement can be restored, and future instances of firearm misuse can be prevented.
The Indonesian people deserve a secure environment, and officers entrusted with firearms must uphold this trust.
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Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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