It remains unclear why the soldiers allegedly opened fire on the officers but initial reports suggest that they are from the Negara Batin district military post.
Indonesia’s National Police Commission has called for a thorough investigation into the fatal incident and urged for stern legal action against those responsible.
Commission member Choirul Anam also called for the authorities to go beyond prosecuting the alleged attackers and investigate the illegal gambling syndicate behind the cockfighting operation, which is banned in the country.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan has emphasised the severity of the “heinous attack” and had instructed Armed Forces Commander Agus Subiyanto to ensure that those responsible will face the harshest penalties.
“We must allow due process to take its course and ensure the perpetrators receive the maximum punishment. This heinous attack, which claimed the lives of three policemen, constitutes a very serious crime,” Budi told the media.
Under Indonesian law, premeditated murder can be punishable by death.
The Head of Information for the Sriwijaya II Military Command – which covers the Lampung province – Syah Putra Siregar confirmed that they are currently investigating the alleged involvement of military members in the incident.
“If there is involvement of individuals (from the Indonesian Military), we will definitely impose sanctions,” Eko said on Monday, as quoted by Tempo.
The Indonesian national police had honoured the three police officers who were fatally shot with posthumous promotions and announced compensations for their families, Antara reported.
“The polri (national police) would like to express its condolences and deepest grief over the loss of our dedicated personnel who carried out their duties to serve the nation,” Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, chief of the police’s public relations department said on Tuesday.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-lampung-south-sumatra-cockfighting-gambling-police-officers-dead-5010026
