Aide to Brigadier General Apologises After Marathon Altercation in Yogyakarta

The altercation between the aide of Brigadier General Yuniar Dwi Hantono, Commander of the 072/Pamungkas Military Resort Command, and a marshal at the Mandiri Jogja Marathon (MJM) has ended peacefully. The aide, Serda Ainul Yaqin, has issued an apology.

During the incident on Sunday (21/6), Serda Ainul was pulled aside for not wearing a BIB or runner identification on the track. He acknowledged his mistake in a video apology.

Full statement from Serda Ainul Yaqin:

“I would like to apologise for my oversight when participating in the run wearing a jersey but without a BIB. I realise that this action was a mistake and not in accordance with the applicable rules.

I sincerely apologise to the organisers, all officials and volunteers, as well as the participants affected by this incident.

I take full responsibility for this error and will make it a lesson for the future. Thank you for the criticism and input provided.”

In the video, the marshal who had pulled Serda Ainul was also present. He also offered an apology and they embraced. The marshal’s statement:

“I also apologise for my excessive actions, and I consider this matter resolved. Thank you.”

Explanation from the Indonesian Army

Head of the Army Information Service (Kadispenad), Brigadier General TNI Donny Pramono, stated that the incident was a misunderstanding. The bib number originally worn by the aide reportedly came loose.

“We can explain that the incident was a misunderstanding on the ground between the track supervisor and the aide of Danrem 072/Pamungkas during the activity,” he said in a statement in Jakarta, as reported by Antara and quoted by detikNews on Monday (22/6).

“During the event, it is suspected that the participant’s number came loose on the crowded track, causing a misunderstanding during the inspection by the official,” he clarified.