Challenged by Habib Bahar, Hercules: We Are Already Like Brothers!
The leader of the mass organisation (ormas) GRIB Jaya, Rosario Marshal alias Hercules, has responded to a statement by Habib Bahar bin Smith, who previously singled out several mass organisations in connection with the unrest during a demonstration on 27 August 2026.
Rather than prolonging the tension, Hercules revealed that he has communicated directly with Habib Bahar. He said the relationship between the two is now like that of brothers, so the matter need not escalate into open conflict.
Previously, a demonstration in the Pejompongan area of Central Jakarta on 27 August 2026 resulted in fatalities. One victim was an 18-year-old student of Madrasah Aliyah Faturohman, who was reportedly beaten by members of a mass organisation near his home.
Another victim was Bambang Setiyawan, 59, a mirror seller in Pejompongan. He died after allegedly being beaten by members of a mass organisation as he was about to close his shop.
The incident prompted responses from various parties, including Habib Bahar bin Smith. The leader of the Tajul Alawiyyin Islamic boarding school in Bogor also referred to GRIB Jaya in his remarks about the demonstration that ended in unrest.
“Whoever the mass organisations are — whether GRIB, PWI, or anyone else — they must all be detained, no exceptions,” Habib Bahar said.
He also condemned actions deemed harmful to the public and demanded that those considered responsible be prosecuted.
“To go so far as to pit the people against each other like that is truly barbaric. They are acting arbitrarily against the people,” he asserted.
In his statement, Habib Bahar even issued a challenge to the thugs he believes were involved in wrongdoing to face him.
“Hey, all you thugs, gather them all together into one — whoever has committed wrongdoing, gather them all. Fight me,” Habib Bahar challenged.
“Hey, so you know, my little finger will not tremble facing all of you barbaric thugs even if you unite as one. My little finger will not tremble, no matter who — whether GRIB, whether PWI,” he continued.
The statement apparently did not prompt Hercules to respond in a similar tone. He said he had contacted Habib Bahar by telephone after the remarks, which were seen as a challenge, emerged.