Ethics Tribunal Begins in Semarang as Officer Contests Dishonourable Discharge Over Alleged Child Murder

Brigadier Ade Kurniawan, a police officer in Central Java, is at the centre of public outrage as he stands accused of killing his two-month-old infant. On April 10, 2025, he faced an internal code of ethics tribunal at the Central Java Regional Police headquarters, where he was recommended for dishonourable discharge.

The case has triggered national attention, with widespread calls for accountability within the police force. Ade, a member of the Central Java Police’s intelligence unit, was charged following the death of his biological son, identified as AN, born to a woman with the initials DJ. He is undergoing parallel ethical and criminal investigations.

Ethics Tribunal Opens in Semarang

The tribunal was convened at the Professional and Security Division (Bidpropam) in Semarang at 10:30 AM. Ade arrived wearing a green vest and a white helmet labelled “Patsus,” escorted tightly by internal police officers. The session, chaired by AKBP Edi Wibowo, aimed to review his conduct under Polri’s Code of Ethics.

Family members of the victim, including the mother DJ and grandmother, attended the session alongside legal counsel, urging for Ade’s dishonourable discharge (PTDH). “We’re seeking justice. This was a serious ethical violation that must not go unpunished,” said family lawyer M. Amal Lutfiansyah.

Verdict: Dishonourable Discharge, But Officer Requests Time

The tribunal found Ade’s actions to be “despicable” and issued a PTDH verdict, alongside a 15-day special placement punishment (Patsus). However, when asked whether he accepted the ruling, Ade replied, “Still thinking, Commander.” As per police regulations, he has three days to appeal the decision.

Central Java Police spokesperson Kombes Artanto confirmed, “He has until three days post-verdict to decide whether he will accept or appeal the ruling.”

Lawyer’s Statement: Considering Legal Challenge

Ade’s lawyer, Moh Harir, stated they would use the allotted time to assess potential legal remedies, including appealing the ethics ruling. “This isn’t the end. The decision can still be legally challenged,” he said.

While expressing remorse for the turmoil caused by the case, Harir stressed that the criminal charges remain under investigation. “There has not yet been conclusive proof that my client committed the alleged crime. We will examine the facts in court,” he added.

In addition to the internal ethics hearing, Ade is also the subject of a criminal case under child protection and criminal codes. He is being investigated under Article 80 (3) of Law No. 35/2014 concerning Child Protection, and Article 338 or 351(3) of the Indonesian Penal Code for murder or aggravated assault.

The Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Central Java Police continues to handle the case. Ade has not yet been declared guilty in a court of law and is currently considered a suspect.

This case not only highlights the importance of ethical accountability in law enforcement but also intensifies public pressure on internal oversight mechanisms. As the criminal investigation proceeds, the broader public in both Indonesia and neighbouring Singapore watches closely, underscoring the importance of transparent and just proceedings.

Sources: Tribun News (2025), Detik.com (2025)

Keywords: Brigadier Ade Trial, Central Java Ethics Court, Baby Murder Case, Police Dismissal Indonesia, Child Protection Law