Man's Death After Alleged Beating by Traffic Police Sparks Investigation in Indonesia

Man's Death After Alleged Beating by Traffic Police Prompts Investigation in Indonesia

Indonesian authorities are investigating the death of a 43-year-old man who was allegedly beaten by traffic police officers in Yogyakarta. The victim, identified as Darso, was exhumed on January 13th as part of the Central Java Police's investigation following a report filed by his family.

Darso was allegedly taken from his home in Semarang on September 21st, 2023, by six officers claiming to be from the Yogyakarta Traffic Police Unit. He was taken to a nearby soccer field where he was allegedly beaten on his head, stomach, and chest. Two hours later, three of the officers informed his wife that Darso had been admitted to the Permata Medika Hospital in Semarang.

Darso suffered severe injuries and was treated in the intensive care unit for three days before being moved to a normal ward for another three days. He was then discharged but died at home in Semarang on September 29th.

Local media reported that Darso was involved in a traffic accident on July 12th, 2023. He had collided with a woman on a motorbike while driving from Semarang to Yogyakarta. The woman's family filed a report with the Yogyakarta Traffic Police Unit, which then dispatched officers to seek clarifications from Darso.

On September 21st, Darso was rushed to the hospital after complaining of chest pain while with officers from the Yogyakarta Traffic Police Law Enforcement Unit. He had a history of heart disease and had a heart ring or stent inserted.

Darso's family wants the officers involved to be charged with aggravated assault causing fatality, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. They claim that the officers offered them a "peace settlement" of 25 million rupiah (US$1,534), which they turned down.

The Yogyakarta Traffic Police Unit has yet to comment on the alleged peace settlement offer, but the Yogyakarta Metropolitan Police spokesman has stated that they are cooperating with the Central Java Police in their investigation of the case.