Bomb Explodes in Tasikmalaya Following Street Vendor Dispute, Former Terrorism Convict Named Suspect

The Dadaha sports area in Nagarawangi, Cihideung District, Tasikmalaya City, was thrown into chaos after a loud explosion was heard. The blast is suspected to have originated from a homemade bomb triggered by a dispute between street vendors (PKL).

The incident occurred on Saturday night (11/7/2026) at around 11:00 PM Western Indonesian Time. Information gathered indicates that tensions began when a tofu gejrot seller, identified as E, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, scolded the older sibling of a corn seller, identified as S, without clear reason.

A witness, SF (48), attempted to mediate by moving E away from the main road to prevent a wider disturbance. However, the situation escalated when AAS (28), a jumbo iced tea seller and relative of S, arrived and verbally abused E. AAS is known to be a former terrorism convict. As SF tried to calm AAS down to avoid physical contact, a loud explosion suddenly occurred behind where the witness was standing.

Tasikmalaya City Police Chief, AKBP Andi Purwanto, confirmed the incident at the scene. Officers secured a number of items including metal materials and hazardous chemicals such as KCL fertiliser, sulphur, aluminium powder, batteries, cable installations, and a remote control device.

Three individuals were initially taken in for questioning. AAS has since been detained at the Tasikmalaya City Police headquarters. Following a joint investigation with the Directorate of General Crimes, police conducted a case review and named AAS as the sole suspect.

The suspect is charged under articles concerning the misuse of sharp weapons, firearms, and explosives, as stipulated in Article 306 or Article 308 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.

Police Chief Andi Purwanto emphasised that the motive was not terrorism, but rather a trivial personal dispute between fellow street vendors that escalated. “The motive was a personal issue, not terrorism,” he stated.