MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ A series of violent incidents involving members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in North Sumatra in recent years has raised public concern. The Medan Legal Aid Foundation (LBH Medan) reports that such incidents repeatedly occur without structural solutions, undermining civilian security.
Irvan Saputra, director of
LBH Medan, stated that the cases include torture resulting in deaths, shootings of children, and attacks on civilians by military personnel.
"Particularly alarming is the alleged premeditated murder and arson targeting the family of a journalist in Karo Regency. Another case involves the torture of a 15-year-old child, known as MHS, resulting in death, allegedly involving TNI soldier Sertu Reza Pahlivi," Irvan said on Wednesday (Feb. 11, 2026).
The pursuit of justice entered a new phase when Eva Meliani Pasaribu, daughter of the late journalist
Rico Sempurna Pasaribu, and Lenny Damanik, mother of MHS, attended a hearing (RDPU) before Commission XIII of the Indonesian Parliament on Thursday (Feb. 9, 2026).
The hearing was supported by LBH Medan, Imparsial, KontraS, and LBH APIK Jakarta, all part of a civil society coalition. Dr. Al Araf, Senior Researcher at Imparsial, opened the session by highlighting human rights violations and systemic injustices within the military judicial system.
Families Criticize Stalled InvestigationsEva Meliani Pasaribu expressed frustration over the lack of progress in investigations conducted by Pomdam I/Bukit Barisan and the Medan Military Court. As early as July 2024, she reported Koptu HB to the Military Police Headquarters in Jakarta and Pomdam I/BB in Medan for his alleged role in her family's deaths.
"Despite providing evidence such as documents, witness statements, and other legal submissions under the Criminal Procedure Code, Koptu HB has yet to be named a suspect. Puspomad previously stated that the investigation only awaited the formal designation of a suspect," Eva explained.
Authorities only responded after public criticism, dismissing the allegations as insufficiently supported. Even with the involvement of criminal and forensic psychology experts, Pomdam I/BB ignored further inquiries. Eva submitted all complaints directly to Commission Chairman Andreas Hugo Pariera.
Light Sentences and Opaque TrialsLenny Damanik also voiced disappointment over her child's case. She criticized the military court for being unfair and arbitrary. Despite public interest, the trial against Sertu Reza Pahlivi imposed strict visitor controls, banned photo and video recording, and even intimidated LBH Medan lawyers.
The military prosecutor requested only a one-year sentence, while the law allows up to 15 years. The court ultimately handed down a 10-month sentence without detaining the accused during the proceedings. Lenny presented a photo of her deceased child as a symbol of the ongoing fight for justice.
Calls for Reform and Parliamentary Oversight
Civil society coalition representatives, including Arta Ida Sigalingging, criticized a proposed presidential decree granting TNI greater involvement in counterterrorism operations. They demanded stronger parliamentary oversight, transparent court procedures, and measures to prevent violence against civilians.
Commission XIII announced plans to review the cases, support the reopening of appeals, and push for reform of the military justice law—a statute that has stagnated for 26 years. The coalition also urged rejection of the decree, warning it could threaten civil liberties and be misused. (IDNC)