As if there aren’t enough threats of violence against the capital’s children, now it appears they aren’t even safe from the very people who are supposed to protect them.
Five members of the Navy’s Jala Mengkara Detachment (Denjaka) – a counter terrorism squad specialized in maritime cases – allegedly beat up 12-year-old T and 14-year-old M in Cilandak last Sunday.
“The assault happened because T was caught red handed stealing a bird from a soldier [at the Marines’ Housing Complex]. When the soldier asked who else was involved, T said M was,” said Ilma Sovri Yanti, head of the Child Protection Task Force, as quoted by Tempo yesterday.
Ilma went on to say that five Denjaka soldiers then beat up T right in front of his father. As his father intervened, the soldiers also assaulted him.
T and his father both reportedly received significant injuries, with T getting a black eye and cuts all over his back. Both were taken to a nearby hospital before being transferred to the National Police Hospital in Kramat Jati for examinations.
After beating up T and his father, the 5 soldiers paid M a visit at his home and went on to assault him there. When they were done, the soldiers handed M bandages and Rp 100,000 to pay for his treatment.
T and M’s families reported the incident to the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI). The KPAI say they’re currently in the process of placing the victims under witness protection as they recover from their injuries.
Meanwhile, the Military Police say they’re investigating the matter internally and will reveal their findings to the public.
“The punishment could be jail and dishonorable discharge if it’s proven that they assaulted the victims,” said Lieutenant Colonel Suwandi, head of the Navy’s Public Informations Agency, as quoted by Okezone yesterday.
