Police Shoot Police in Pondok Cabe, Sahroni Calls for Stricter Firearm Permits for Police

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ahmad Sahroni, has called for stricter regulations on firearms ownership for police personnel following the accidental shooting incident between officers in Pondok Cabe that resulted in the death of Bharatu Laurentius Valdo Fernandez Lewai.

Sahroni also urged that police officers in possession of firearms undergo psychological and mental assessments, along with regular background checks.

“There needs to be tightening in the selection process and permission for firearms ownership for officers holding firearms. Psychological and mental tests should also be conducted, and their track record must be checked regularly. Because firearms can be very dangerous if misused,” Sahroni told reporters on Monday (19/10/2026).

According to Sahroni, evaluating the use of firearms could serve as a preventive measure against their misuse by police officers.

He noted that internal oversight within the police has generally been effective but acknowledged that various factors, including personal problems, could lead to such incidents.

“The general internal oversight in the police is, in fact, already good. However, incidents like this can occur randomly with various motivations behind them. It could be due to personal issues, and so on,” he said.

“Therefore, if there is an evaluation, it could focus on tightening the ownership of firearms for officers. Regular mental and preparedness tests for firearm holders are essential,