Brigadier Ridhal, Suspected of Suicide, Has Permission to Visit Relatives in Jakarta

Brigadier Ridhal Ali Tomi has been permitted to visit relatives in Jakarta since March. Unfortunately, he died apparently by suicide.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS WISNU WARDHANA DANY

The atmosphere of the house where Brigadier Ridhal Ali Tomi died, allegedly by suicide, on Jalan Mampang Prapatan IV, Tegal Parang Village, South Jakarta, on Sunday (28/4/2024).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Brigadier Ridhal Ali Tomi has applied for permission from his unit to meet his family in South Jakarta since March 2024. However, a number of residents in the field know, The traffic police have been working as bodyguards for the homeowner for 1.5 years. His death also raises various questions.

During this leave, a member of the Manado City Police Traffic Unit allegedly committed suicide in a car. Ridhal was found in the driver's seat of a Toyota Alphard with license plate number B 1544 QH on Thursday (25/4/2024). The car was located in the yard of house number 20, Jalan Mampang Prapatan IV, Tegal Parang, South Jakarta.

His body was still wearing a seat belt and fell to the left. Also found were a gun holster and firearm HS caliber 9 mm.

On Sunday afternoon (28/4/2024), the gate of the house where Ridhal was found was tightly closed. Through the gap in the gate, a Toyota Alphard B 1544 QH with police stripes and an officer sitting in the pavilion near the gate can be seen.

Also read: The Mystery of Brigadier Ridhal's Suicide in Mampang Prapatan

Head of Public Relations Section at the Manado Municipal Police, Inspector Agus Haryono, mentioned that Ridhal is still serving in the police force as a traffic officer at the Manado Municipal Police. He participated in the security measures for the 2024 Election before requesting permission to visit relatives in Jakarta since March 2024.

"Around March 10, he (Ridhal) was no longer in Manado. Information from the traffic unit stated that he was visiting family. The details are still being investigated," said Agus.

Regarding the presence of Ridhal, Imam Samsudin (42), a resident living across from house number 20, has seen Ridhal since the beginning of the fasting month, which is March 12, 2024. The police officer often accompanies the homeowner's child to Sa'adatussholihin Mosque.

Ridhal has also had several conversations with residents in coffee shops and stores around his house. The residents know him as the guardian of the house owner for the past 1.5 years. He is seen entering and leaving with a Toyota Alphard car with license plate number B 1544 QH.

”Last chat 10 days ago. He said he was married. "I have a wife and children in Manado," said Imam.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS WISNU WARDHANA DANY

A black vehicle was found after Brigadier Ridhal Ali Tomi, who was suspected to have committed suicide, was found dead on Mampang Prapatan IV Street, Tegal Parang Village, South Jakarta on Sunday (28/4/2024).

Investigation

Saturday (27/4/2024), South Jakarta Metro Police and Bhayangkara Level I Raden Said Sukanto Hospital handed over the body to the family to be flown to North Sulawesi.

Also read: Suicide in South Jakarta, Brigadier Ridhal's Motive Still Being Investigated

National Police Commission member, Poengky Indarti, is pushing for an autopsy to be conducted in this case. Especially if the family suspects that Ridhal's death was not due to a suicide allegation.

The National Police Commission will also clarify firearms ownership. Because, when on leave, firearms must be returned.

"We will also inquire whether their psychological condition is checked every 6 months and undergo a series of tests to obtain permission to carry firearms. In essence, whether all procedures have been carried out correctly," said Poengky.

So far, the South Jakarta Metropolitan Police have checked the location of the incident, reviewed CCTV footage, and questioned 18 witnesses. There is no further information at this time, and the preliminary suspicion is that Ridhal died by suicide.

On Sunday morning, the body of Brigadier Ridhal arrived in Minahasa, Manado. He was immediately buried at 10:00 AM in the Kalasey Village Public Cemetery. Hundreds of mourners crowded his house to pay their respects.