29 Firearms and 9,673 Ammunition Found in Bandung, Suppliers and Buyers Investigated

Jules explained that dozens of firearms consisted of sniper weapons, assault weapons, and even pistols. The 9,673 ammunition found by authorities consisted of several types of caliber, including 5.56 millimeters, 7.63 mm, 8.6 mm, 9 mm, 22 mm and 45 mm.

The weapon and thousands of ammunition belong to HSL's husband with the initial PKL. Currently, PKL is serving a four-year prison sentence at Cipinang Correctional Facility in Jakarta for illegal firearm possession.

Since August 2023, vendors have entrusted 29 firearms and 9,673 bullets to HSL at their home in the Cilincing area of North Jakarta. HSL then moved the weapons and ammunition to their relative's house in Cibeunying, Bandung Regency, in March 2024.

"The suspect, PKL, is a recidivist who has been involved in three cases of illegal firearms possession. It is suspected that PKL and his wife, HSL, are involved in a syndicate selling weapons and ammunition," said Jules.

Also read: Illegal Weapons Industry Dismantled, Involvement of Officials and Terrorist Networks Investigated

Jules stated that the police will investigate those who supply firearms and ammunition to street vendors. In addition, those who buy weapons and ammunition from street vendors will also be traced.

They said that there is a possibility of arms and ammunition sales to certain organizations to carry out security disruptions, such as armed criminal groups in Papua.

"We will investigate the parties who buy weapons and ammunition from street vendors. It is not impossible that these weapons and bullets are also sold to separatist groups who regularly carry out terrorist acts," said Jules.

He added that HSL is charged under Article 1 Paragraph 1 of Emergency Law Number 12 of 1951. He faces a maximum penalty of either death or life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Director of General Crime Investigation of West Java Provincial Police, Commissioner Surawan, revealed that street vendors have businesses selling air rifles in the Bekasi area of West Java. "This case is still under investigation. We will examine the flow of money in the street vendors' and air rifle sellers' bank accounts," he said.

It is possible that these weapons and bullets were also sold to separatist groups who always carry out acts of terror.

Take it seriously

A criminologist from the Islamic University of Bandung, Nandang Sambas, stated that law enforcement officials need to seriously investigate the case of weapon possession. Moreover, the number of weapons owned far exceeds the provisions set out in Indonesian National Police Regulation No. 1 of 2022.

"Under the applicable regulations, civilians are only allowed to use a maximum of two short-barreled firearms. Therefore, when there are civilians who possess long-barreled weapons, this needs to be investigated further. It is feared that these weapons will be used for criminal or even terrorist activities," he explained.

Also read: Vulnerable Locations on the Maluku-Papua Arms and Ammunition Trade Route are Strictly Monitored

According to Nandang, regulations regarding firearm ownership are made to prevent the misuse of firearms. Even then, only certain professions are allowed to use firearms for the purpose of self-protection.

"The public's understanding and psychology regarding firearms are still low. Therefore, ownership must go through very strict conditions. All of this is done to protect the public from firearm abuse," said Nandang.