Adjunct Inspector Erwin, who was one of four police officers who suffered burns while securing a student protest in Cianjur, West Java, on August 15, has passed away in a Jakarta hospital this morning.
West Java Police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko told reporters today that Erwin succumbed to his injuries at Pertamina Central Hospital soon after midnight today.
“He has fallen while carrying out his duty to the state and the people today as a result of the burn injuries he sustained while on duty,” Trunoyudo said, as quoted by CNN Indonesia.
Trunoyudo added that Erwin, who had served on the police force for 25 years, leaves behind a wife and two children.
Before Erwin’s passing, National Police Chief Tito Karnavian on Friday announced that he had promoted the inspector and three other officers — who sustained less severe burns than Erwin — for their bravery and dedication to service.
Traditionally, officers killed on duty are posthumously promoted as well.
On Aug 15, college students from various student organizations gathered outside Cianjur’s Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) office to protest what they described as the faltering quality of education in the region.
The protest descended into chaos when somebody from the crowd of protesters allegedly threw a plastic bag containing fuel towards the police officers, which then exploded into flames when coming into contact with a flaming tire the officers were trying to put out.
Video footage of the incident, which have gone viral online, shows the moment the bag of fuel was thrown as well as people frantically trying to put out the fire that engulfed Erwin’s entire body (we are not including the video due to its highly graphic and disturbing nature).
Reports said Erwin sustained burns to up to 80% of his body, while the three other officers suffered burns to around 40% of their bodies.
Police arrested 30 protesters immediately after the incident, while three, including a man who allegedly tossed the bag of fuel at the flaming tires, have been named suspects. The charges against have not yet been announced, but, in light of Erwin’s death, they may be charged to murder and face the death penalty.
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