Brilio.net - Recently, a video of a car driver shooting a gun at another vehicle on the Pantura Route, Demak, Central Java, went viral. In the video circulating, a man in a white SUV is seen brandishing a gun and shooting bullets at another driver. The incident has sparked public concern about the use of firearms by civilians in Indonesia.
The case has become a highlight because it shows how firearms are used carelessly on the highway. The driver, who was angry because he could not overtake due to traffic jams, pointed a gun and fired two shots at the victim's car tires. The action raises questions about the rules on firearm ownership in Indonesia and whether the use of weapons by civilians is strictly regulated.
The requirements for firearm ownership in Indonesia are actually very strict. Only a handful of civilians can obtain a firearm ownership permit, with very limited purposes, such as for shooting sports or self-protection under special conditions. So what are the requirements and legal regulations regarding firearm ownership for civilians and the sanctions for those who misuse them? Here is a summary from brilio.net compiled from various sources, Friday (20/9).
Firearms ownership rules for civilians
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Firearms ownership in Indonesia is regulated by strict laws and regulations. Firearms for civilians are not something that can be easily owned.
According to the Chief of Police Regulation No. 82 of 2004, there are several main requirements that must be met in order to own a firearm. One of them is a clear reason for ownership, such as for shooting sports or for self-protection from serious threats .
General requirements:
- Minimum age of 24 years. This age is considered the limit of maturity in the use of weapons.
- Physically and mentally healthy. Prospective gun owners must pass a health check, both physical and mental, conducted by a health institution appointed by the police.
- No criminal record. Prospective gun owners must not have a history of criminal acts, especially those related to violence, misuse of weapons, or other crimes.
Special conditions:
- Civilians may own firearms for a clear purpose, such as for shooting sports, hunting, or collecting. For self-protection purposes, there must be a strong and clear reason, such as a serious threat to personal security.
- Undergo weapons training. Prospective owners must undergo training provided by the police or a recognized agency to ensure they understand how to use a weapon safely.
Types of weapons allowed:
- The weapons that civilians are allowed to own are small caliber, such as 9 mm caliber pistols or weapons for shooting sports.
- Automatic firearms and weapons with high firepower are prohibited for civilians to own.
Firearms ownership permit process
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To obtain a firearm ownership permit, prospective owners must submit an application to the Indonesian National Police (Polri). This process involves several stages, such as:
1. Submission of documents:
- Health certificate from a doctor.
- Police Record Certificate (SKCK) stating that the applicant is not involved in any criminal acts.
- Certificate of completion of weapons use training.
2. Evaluation and verification:
The police will conduct a background check on the applicant, including an investigation to determine whether there is a real threat that requires a firearm.
3. Extension of permit:
Firearms ownership permits are not valid for life. Owners must renew their permits periodically and this permit is only valid for one year. During the renewal process, the owner will be re-evaluated by the police.
Sanctions for misuse of firearms
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The legal sanctions for misuse of firearms in Indonesia are very severe. According to Emergency Law No. 12 of 1951, a person who misuses a firearm can be threatened with a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. This applies to both people who use firearms carelessly, such as in the case of the driver who shot a car tire in Demak, and those who own weapons without official permission.
In addition to criminal penalties, possession of firearms that does not comply with the rules can also be subject to administrative sanctions, such as revocation of the gun ownership permit. The National Police has the authority to revoke permits if violations are found in the use or storage of weapons. Weapons owned without official permits can be confiscated by the authorities and the owner will be subject to criminal sanctions.
The viral case of a driver shooting a gun on the highway is an important lesson about the responsibility of owning a gun. The public needs to understand that guns are not items that can be owned and used carelessly. Owning a gun requires an official permit and must be used wisely in accordance with applicable regulations.