Alleged pistol threat by TNI AD soldier against ride-hailing driver in South Tangerang, soldier arrested

A soldier from the Indonesian Army was detained after a dispute with a ride-hailing driver in South Tangerang. The incident went viral on social media after footage showed the soldier brandishing an object resembling a firearm during a roadside dispute on Sunday, 1 March 2026. The Army’s Public Information Service (Kadispenad) Brigadier General Donny Pramono confirmed that the soldier has been detained by Denpom Jaya/1 Tangerang since Monday evening (2 March 2026) for intensive questioning. ‘At this time the soldier involved has been detained and is being questioned by Denpom Jaya/1 Tangerang. We ensure the legal process proceeds in accordance with the applicable regulations,’ Donny said in a statement on Tuesday, 3 March. Based on initial investigations, the incident originated from a collision dispute on the road. In the circulating video, the soldier appears to threaten the ride-hailing driver with an object resembling a pistol. However, the investigation found that the object was a wooden toy pistol. ‘Based on initial investigations, the object resembling a pistol used was a wooden toy pistol,’ Donny said. Although the object was a toy, the Indonesian Army remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the intimidation act by the individual concerned. The legal process includes deepening the chronology, witness interviews, and collection of evidence at the scene. Donny emphasised that the Indonesian Army will not tolerate any form of legal violation or arrogant conduct by soldiers that could undermine public trust. ‘If proven to have violated the law, the individual will be processed firmly in accordance with the law and military discipline. The Indonesian Army is committed to maintaining professionalism through a transparent and accountable law-enforcement mechanism,’ he stated.