Thursday, 18 June 2026
LABUHANBATU UTARA | INDATANEWS.COM – Police in Labuhanbatu are intensifying their investigation into the death of Luis David Hutabarat, 32, a resident of Tapian Nauli Kilang Mili Hamlet in Sukarame Baru Village, Kualuh Hulu District, North Labuhanbatu. The incident, which occurred on June 16, 2026, has drawn widespread public attention due to allegations involving two active military personnel and two security officers employed by PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara 1.
The case has sparked significant public outrage, not only because of the victim's death but also due to subsequent unrest that led to vandalism, looting, and arson at the company's plantation facilities.Labuhanbatu Police Chief AKBP Wahyu Endrajaya said investigators are working intensively to uncover the full sequence of events surrounding the incident.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the victim's family. The police are conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine all circumstances related to this case," Wahyu Endrajaya said on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Rantauprapat Regional Hospital.According to investigators, ten witnesses have been questioned so far. They include four company security personnel, four members of the public who were present at the scene, as well as the victim's grandmother and wife.
Police have also conducted two crime scene examinations and a preliminary reconstruction to establish a detailed timeline of the incident."We guarantee that this case will be investigated thoroughly, swiftly, and transparently," the police chief emphasized.
Reports indicate that the victim and several acquaintances were returning home from agricultural work when they passed through Block 3 of the company's oil palm plantation. The group was allegedly stopped by security personnel and the two military members.
Family members claim the situation escalated, resulting in Luis David Hutabarat suffering fatal injuries at the scene.Ramlan Nainggolan, the victim's father-in-law, said he received information indicating that his son-in-law was attacked by several individuals while working in the field.
"Based on the information I received, several military personnel were involved in the assault on my son-in-law. The perpetrators were reportedly wearing civilian clothing," he said.Ramlan added that the victim died at the scene and that the victim's wife was nearby when the incident occurred.
The family is demanding a full investigation and legal action against anyone found responsible.Relatives also stated that the victim sustained multiple injuries and alleged that some wounds may have been caused by a sharp tool commonly used in the palm oil sector.
In addition to Luis David Hutabarat, another man was reportedly injured during the same incident."This case must be fully investigated. The act was extremely brutal," one family member shouted during the demonstration.
Public anger later shifted toward PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara 1. Groups of residents reportedly damaged and destroyed several facilities belonging to the company.According to Police Chief Wahyu Endrajaya, three company residences were completely destroyed, three others sustained partial damage, and four additional buildings were affected.
"The arson attacks were a spontaneous reaction from residents following reports of the victim's death. The situation has since become largely under control," he said.The case has attracted attention far beyond North Labuhanbatu, with members of the public demanding transparency in the investigation and an independent review of allegations involving military personnel and company security officers.
Police stated that the investigation remains ongoing. Additional witness testimonies are being reviewed, evidence is being collected, and findings from crime scene examinations are being analyzed to establish the exact sequence of events.The death of Luis David Hutabarat has become the focus of intense public scrutiny, with family members, local residents, and civil society groups awaiting answers regarding who is responsible for the fatal incident. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Jhonson Siahaan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
