4 Facts About an Indonesian Army Soldier Assaulting a Taxi Driver and Brandishing a Wooden Toy Pistol

An Indonesian Army soldier (TNI AD) is suspected of assaulting a taxi driver in Setu, South Tangerang, Banten. The suspect has been detained by the Detachment of Military Police (Denpom Jaya/1 Tangerang). The assault, which included punching, kicking and throwing the driver to the asphalt, was captured on video and circulated on social media. The taxi driver’s hands were seen cuffed. At one point, the suspect allegedly pointed what appeared to be a pistol at the driver’s head; the weapon was later identified as a wooden toy pistol. Several bystanders tried to intervene.

Here are four facts about the assault on the taxi driver, summarised by detikcom, on Thursday 5 March 2026:

1. The suspect was captured. The Army’s Public Information Office (Kadispenad) Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono confirmed the man who assaulted the taxi driver is an Indonesian Army soldier. The incident occurred on Sunday (1 March). Denpom Jaya/1 Tangerang said it would coordinate with the South Tangerang Police; by Monday night (2 March) the serviceman had been detained at Madenpom Jaya/1 Tangerang. ‘The serviceman is currently in custody and being interrogated by Denpom Jaya/1 Tangerang. We will ensure the legal process proceeds in accordance with applicable laws, including chronology, witness statements, and collection of evidence,’ Donny said on Wednesday (4 March).

2. Triggered by a vehicle incident. Donny said initial investigations indicate the assault stemmed from a dispute arising from a vehicle scuffle.

3. Toy pistol. The soldier briefly brandished a weapon believed to be a pistol; Donny noted the wooden toy was later identified as the object.

4. Ongoing investigations. The serviceman remains under investigation; the Army says if found guilty they will be punished under law and military discipline, and TNI AD is committed to maintaining public trust and professionalism through transparent and accountable enforcement.