Indonesian Air Force Military Police Deny Noodle Rumors, Reveal Chronology of Abuse That Killed Serda Ahmad

The Indonesian Air Force Military Police Center (Puspomau) has confirmed that the abuse that led to the death of Serda Ahmad Muzammil Farisa had nothing to do with rumors circulating in the community about buying the wrong instant noodles. The statement was made directly by Puspomau Commander Air Vice Marshal Daan Sulfi at a press conference in East Jakarta on Wednesday (16/9/2026).

Daan Sulfi stressed that the boiled noodle and fried noodle issue that has been widely discussed by the public has no correlation whatsoever with the ongoing investigation. "It has nothing to do with it at all," he said. The statement also corrects the initial allegation made by the victim's father, Toni, who said his son was abused for buying noodle soup when a senior had asked for fried noodles.

According to the investigation, the incident began on Tuesday (8/9) when Serda MTS called his junior, Serda RP, to ask for help. However, in the middle of the conversation, Serda RP suddenly hung up. Feeling offended, Serda MTS gathered his juniors on Wednesday (9/9) night. "The senior felt annoyed, offended, and angry, so on Wednesday a gathering was held," Daan Sulfi explained.

At that meeting, Serda MTS ordered Serda RP to do 100 push-ups and sit-ups behind Mess Galaksi at 21.10. Not long after, Serda JM, Serda MAD, and Serda AH arrived and joined in. Serda JM then punched Serda Ahmad—the most senior of the three victims—three times in the chest with a clenched fist. The punches were delivered under the pretext of giving "santiadji," or a warning, so that Serda Ahmad would take responsibility for his juniors.

As a result of the punches, Serda Ahmad fell and lost consciousness. The four suspects tried to revive him by applying wind oil and balm, and wetting the victim's face and body. When there was no response, the victim was rushed to the emergency room of dr. Esnawan Antariksa Hospital, also known as Haji Pondok Gede Hospital, East Jakarta, in an official vehicle. At around 23.45, Serda Ahmad was declared dead.

The case came to public attention after the victim's father, Toni, made an initial allegation that his son was abused simply for buying the wrong noodles. The allegation quickly spread on social media and sparked public anger. However, Puspomau strongly denied the narrative and asked the public not to fixate on an unsubstantiated issue.

More worryingly, this incident is not the first to occur in the military environment. The culture of hazing and senior-junior violence remains a systemic problem that is difficult to eliminate. Military observers assess that although regulations already prohibit it, practice on the ground often differs because of the strong hierarchy and corps traditions.

"This was a warning from me so that he would remember, but instead of a warning, abuse was carried out," Daan Sulfi said, quoting Serda JM's statement.

For readers in Indonesia, especially investors and professionals, this case highlights the importance of governance and discipline in state institutions. The stability and image of the Indonesian Air Force as part of national defense could be affected if there is no serious reform. Public trust in law enforcement within the military is also at stake. Companies operating in the defense sector or with ties to military institutions need to monitor this development because it could affect the investment climate and legal certainty.

Going forward, the public awaits firm action from the TNI Commander and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force to evaluate the personnel development system. Will this case become a turning point for eliminating violence in the military, or just another dark note that repeats? The military court will be a test of the integrity of law enforcement within the Indonesian Air Force.