Paragraph 1: The Untimely Death and Subsequent Investigation
Darso, a 43-year-old resident of Semarang, Indonesia, passed away on September 29, 2024, under suspicious circumstances following an alleged encounter with traffic police officers from Yogyakarta. His death has sparked a formal investigation by the Central Java Police, prompted by a report filed by Darso’s family almost four months after the incident. The exhumation of Darso’s body on January 13, 2025, underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the authorities’ commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding his demise. While three individuals are under investigation, their identities and specific roles in the events leading up to Darso’s death remain undisclosed at this stage.
Paragraph 2: The Alleged Assault and Subsequent Hospitalization
The incident that allegedly precipitated Darso’s death transpired on September 21, 2024. According to Darso’s brother, Tocahyo, six individuals claiming to be officers from the Yogyakarta Traffic Police Unit arrived at Darso’s home in Semarang without an arrest warrant. They subsequently transported him to a nearby soccer field where he was allegedly subjected to physical assault, involving blows to his head, stomach, and chest. Two hours later, three of the officers returned to inform Darso’s wife that he had been admitted to Permata Medika Hospital in Semarang. The details of the alleged assault and the circumstances surrounding Darso’s admission to the hospital are now central to the ongoing investigation.
Paragraph 3: Darso’s Deteriorating Health and Demise
Upon admission to Permata Medika Hospital, Darso’s condition was deemed critical, requiring three days of intensive care. He was subsequently transferred to a regular ward for another three days before being discharged. Despite receiving medical treatment, Darso’s health continued to deteriorate, culminating in his death at home on September 29, 2024. The nature and severity of his injuries, the adequacy of the medical care he received, and the direct link between the alleged assault and his ultimate demise are all crucial points of inquiry for the investigation.
Paragraph 4: The Preceding Traffic Accident and Its Aftermath
The alleged assault on Darso appears to be connected to a traffic accident that occurred on July 12, 2024. Darso was involved in a collision with a female motorcyclist while driving from Semarang to Yogyakarta. According to his lawyer, Antoni Yudha Timor, Darso took responsibility for the accident and accompanied the injured woman to a clinic. However, due to insufficient funds to cover her medical expenses, he left his identification card. This seemingly minor incident spiralled into a series of events that tragically ended with Darso’s death.
Paragraph 5: Conflicting Accounts and the Pursuit of Justice
The accounts of the incident and its aftermath vary significantly. The Yogyakarta police chief, Aditya Surya Dharma, stated that the woman involved in the accident suffered neck injuries requiring a neck brace. Conversely, Darso’s lawyer claimed her injuries were minor. The discrepancy between these accounts highlights the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts. Darso’s family is seeking justice, demanding that the officers involved be charged with aggravated assault causing fatality, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. This legal pursuit underscores the family’s belief that the alleged assault directly led to Darso’s death.
Paragraph 6: Alleged "Peace Settlement" and Delayed Reporting
The investigation is further complicated by allegations that the officers involved attempted to resolve the matter privately with Darso’s family by offering a “peace settlement” of 25 million rupiah (US$1,534). This offer was reportedly rejected by Darso’s family. The delay in filing the police report, almost four months after Darso’s death, is attributed to these alleged attempts at mediation. While the Yogyakarta Traffic Police Unit has yet to comment on these allegations, the Yogyakarta Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Sujarwo, has assured full cooperation with the Central Java Police in their investigation, emphasizing the need for time to gather information and reconstruct the chronology of events. The investigation now must unravel the truth behind these conflicting accounts and determine the true circumstances surrounding Darso’s death.
