Sad news has emerged from a deployment area in Papua. A young Indonesian Army soldier, Private First Class Farkhan Sauqi Marpaung, has been reported dead while carrying out state duties. The incident is alleged to involve physical abuse by a senior fellow soldier, drawing serious attention from the Indonesian Army leadership.
Through the Head of the Indonesian Army Information Service, Brigadier General Donny Pramono, the Army expressed its deepest condolences over the death of PFC Farkhan. He stressed that the deceased was a soldier serving the nation, making the case a matter of serious concern.
“The Indonesian Army extends its deepest condolences over the passing of PFC Farkhan Sauqi Marpaung. He was a young soldier on active duty for the country, and this incident is a serious concern for Army leadership,” Donny said in an official statement in Jakarta on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Donny explained that the Army took swift and firm action immediately after the incident was reported. The senior soldier suspected of involvement has been secured, and a comprehensive investigation is currently being conducted by the relevant command authorities.
“At this stage, the case is still under investigation to ensure that all facts are uncovered objectively and transparently,” he said.
He emphasized that the Indonesian Army will not tolerate any form of violence outside established rules, especially acts that result in the loss of a soldier’s life. If the investigation confirms violations of military law or discipline, strict legal action will be taken in accordance with applicable regulations.
In addition to the legal process, the Army is also providing attention and support to the victim’s family. Internal guidance and supervision within units are being reinforced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Army leadership is committed to thoroughly resolving this case in a professional, fair, and accountable manner, to ensure justice for the deceased, his family, and to uphold the honor of the Indonesian Army,” Donny stated.
PFC Farkhan Sauqi Marpaung was known to be serving at Sanepa Post, Homeyo District, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua, as part of Task Force Infantry Battalion 113 Jaya Sakti. The family received news of his passing on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, through relatives who are also members of the military.
The victim’s father, Zakaria Marpaung, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his son. Based on information received by the family, PFC Farkhan was allegedly subjected to physical abuse by a senior soldier holding the rank of Corporal Second Class while on duty.
According to the family’s account, the victim had complained of feeling unwell and experiencing chills at the post. Fellow soldiers then suggested that he sunbathe to warm his body. However, during this time, he was allegedly subjected to physical punishment by his senior.
“My son was ordered to bow his head, then struck on the back with a wooden branch. After that, he was kicked in the ribs until he fell,” Zakaria said emotionally on Friday, January 2, 2026.
As the victim’s condition worsened, his colleagues immediately took him to the medical unit. Unfortunately, his life could not be saved.
Zakaria admitted he was devastated and deeply disappointed by the incident. He expressed his pain that his son did not die in combat against an enemy, but was allegedly harmed by a fellow soldier.
“I am deeply disappointed. My son did not die at the hands of the enemy, but allegedly at the hands and feet of a fellow soldier,” he said sadly.
The body of PFC Farkhan Sauqi Marpaung is scheduled to be returned to his hometown in Hessa Air Genting Village, Asahan Regency, North Sumatra, for burial. The family has stated that they will pursue legal action to determine the exact cause of death and seek justice for the late soldier.