An 18-year-old teenager named Bertrand Eka Prasetyo was fatally shot by a police officer during an arrest in Makassar on March 1, 2026. Indonesian police headquarters stated they will conduct an internal evaluation of firearm use and oversee the legal process against the suspect, Iptu N, who has been named and detained.
The tragic incident occurred in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, around 07:00 WITA. According to Makassar Police Chief, Commissioner Big Police Arya Perdana, the event began with a report from Rapocini Police Sector Head via handy talky about a group of teenagers suspected of playing with toy guns loaded with jelly bullets on the street. The teens were reported to be intercepting road users, pushing, and kicking passing motorists, which greatly disturbed residents.
Police officer Iptu N immediately headed to the location and found Bertrand aggressively acting towards a motorcyclist. During the arrest attempt, Iptu N fired a warning shot, resulting in Bertrand's death. The Makassar Police Chief confirmed the incident on March 4, 2026.
Indonesian police headquarters is giving serious attention to the case. Head of Public Information Bureau of the Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Police Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, stated that the police will not hesitate to take firm action against violations by its members, especially those causing loss of life. "Thus, quick and immediate steps to follow up on the perpetrator. That information has already been given by the Makassar police chief," he said on March 5, 2026.
Trunoyudo emphasized that internal evaluations of firearm use are always conducted in layers, covering planning, execution, and post-activity stages. "The evaluation process happens all the time. Every step in operational activities or police development has analysis and evaluation," he added. This evaluation is part of management oversight to ensure operational activities comply with regulations.
Meanwhile, Iptu N has been designated as a suspect and is detained by investigators at Makassar Police Resort. The criminal and ethical legal processes against him are ongoing, overseen by central-level police leadership.
