INDONESIAN POLICE, MILITARY LAUNCH JOINT PROBE INTO FATAL SHOOTING DURING COCKFIGHTING RAID

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, March 19 (Bernama) -- Indonesian police and the military have launched a joint investigation after three officers were shot dead during a raid on an illegal cockfighting ring in Way Kanan, Lampung province, on Monday (March 17) evening.

The officers were killed as gunfire erupted while police moved in to break up the gathering in Karang Manik village, resulting in the deaths of Negara Batin Police Chief Inspector Lusiyanto, Chief Brigadier Petrus Apriyanto, and Brigadier Two Ghalib Surya Ganta.

Lampung Police Chief Inspector General Helmy Santika said the Criminal Investigation Unit and the territorial army, Kodam II Sriwijaya’s Military Police were working together to uncover the facts and identify those responsible.

“We are committed to a thorough and transparent investigation,” he said, as quoted by Kompas TV.

Illegal cockfighting remains widespread in Indonesia despite strict gambling laws, particularly in rural areas where it attracts large crowds and heavy betting.

Meanwhile, military police have detained two individuals following the shooting, though their connection to the attack remains unclear.

Kodam II Sriwijaya spokesperson, Colonel Eko Syah Putra Siregar, confirmed that two military personnel had surrendered and were under investigation.

Commander of Korem 043, a division under Kodam II Sriwijaya, Brigadier General Rikas Hidayatullah, assured that any military personnel found to be involved would face strict disciplinary action.

Authorities are analysing evidence, including cockfighting equipment and 12 bullet casings, as the investigation continues.

-- BERNAMA