Three Indonesian police officers were shot dead during a raid on an illegal cockfighting gambling ring in Way Kanan Regency, Lampung earlier this week, Lampung Regional Police Office confirmed. Two Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel, identified as Chief Warrant Officer Lubis and Chief Corporal Basar, have since surrendered to authorities.
One suspect, identified as Chief Warrant Officer Lubis, reportedly turned himself in at Negara Batin Police Station just hours after the shooting, while his accomplice, Chief Corporal Basar, was later arrested. The two are from the Negara Batin military post under the Way Kanan district military command (Koramil), according to Sriwijaya Military Command (Kodam) spokesperson Colonel Eko Syah Putra.
“They turned themselves in on Monday evening and are now in Lampung Military Police custody,” Eko said.
The attack took place as a team of 17 officers, led by Negara Batin Police Chief First Inspector Lusiyanto, raided an illegal cockfighting arena in Karang Manik Village.
As per a local report, Peltu LS, a low-ranking army soldier, allegedly opened fire on Lusiyanto and two officers, Chief Brigadier Petrus Apriyanto and Second Brigadier M. Ghalib Surya Ganta. According to Lampung Police Chief Inspector Helmy Santika, autopsy results revealed that Lusiyanto was shot in the right chest, Petrus was hit in the left eye, and Ghalib was shot in the mouth.
“The investigation has gathered (some) evidence, including a gamecock fighting cage and 12 bullets,” said Helmy, as quoted by local media.
The Sriwijaya II Military Command has launched an internal probe into the possible involvement of military personnel. “If there is involvement of individuals (from the Indonesian Military), we will definitely impose sanctions,” Eko said.
The Indonesia’s National Police Commission has called for a thorough probe into the incident and urged for stern action against those responsible. Commission member Choirul Anam also called for the authorities to go beyond prosecuting the alleged attackers and investigate the illegal gambling syndicate behind the cockfighting operation, which is banned in the country.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, described the killings as a “heinous attack” and instructed Armed Forces Commander Agus Subiyanto to ensure that the perpetrators face the harshest penalties.
“We must allow due process to take its course and ensure the perpetrators receive the maximum punishment. This heinous attack, which claimed the lives of three policemen, constitutes a very serious crime,” Budi told the media.
Under Indonesian law, premeditated murder is punishable by death.
Indonesia continues its strict crackdown on illegal gambling, which is banned for both citizens and foreigners. Those caught gambling can face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 25 million rupiah (US$1,520).
Authorities have linked gambling addiction to rising crime and an increase in high-interest loans. The country’s main Islamic scholar body considers cockfighting as haram (forbidden).
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology (Komdigi) has taken action against 5,707,952 pieces of online gambling content from 2017 to January 21, 2025. In the first six days of January alone, 43,063 such items were removed, according to acting General Director Molly Prabawaty. The government has also deployed an AI system to detect and block gambling websites and apps.
In December 2024, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs collaborated with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) and mobile operators to discuss further actions against illegal online gambling. These included launching a public awareness campaign to highlight the financial risks of gambling and exploring measures to prevent payments for gambling through phone credits.
Last month, President Prabowo Subianto reinforced the government’s commitment by introducing stricter regulations to combat online gambling. To support public reporting, the government has set up channels, including the website www.aduankonten.id, WhatsApp at 0811-9224-545, and the anti-gambling chatbot at 0811-1001-5080.
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