Chronology of the Clash in Menteng That Killed One Person
A clash between groups occurred in the Pegangsaan area, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Sunday morning. In a video circulating on social media, a number of people were seen throwing stones at each other. Some were also carrying wood and bamboo during the brawl.
The Central Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head, AKBP Roby Heri Saputra, stated that the police received a report of a mass disturbance in the residential area on Sunday morning. "The Central Jakarta Metro Police and Menteng Sector Police received a report this morning around 10:00 regarding a fight or disturbance between two groups of residents on Jalan Tambak, Pegangsaan Village," Roby said in his statement in Jakarta on Sunday.
Based on preliminary investigations, the clash was strongly suspected to have been triggered by a trivial dispute at a breakfast stall. The incident began when one group visited the stall to buy food. However, feeling poorly served, an argument ensued. The group then left the location while revving their motorcycles. Shortly after, they returned with several associates and damaged the cart of the nasi uduk seller at the site. "From the incident of vandalism at the stall, it was retaliated against by local residents attacking the group’s place, thus the disturbance occurred," he said.
Police officers attempted to mediate and stop the mass action. However, the large number of people involved made the clash unavoidable, resulting in casualties. Two victims who suffered severe injuries were immediately evacuated to Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM). However, one of them was pronounced dead after receiving medical treatment. "The latest information is that of the two people secured from the scene, they were still in critical condition when taken, but upon arrival at the hospital, one had already died," he said.
In addition to evacuating the victims, police moved quickly to secure eight people from the scene for further questioning. At the same time, investigators are continuing to look into the identities of the parties involved and their residential status in the area. "What we know is they live here, occupying the location. However, the legality or their status in this place is still under investigation," Roby said.
From the crime scene investigation, officers secured a number of pieces of evidence including building debris, a burnt vehicle, blood trails, and blood-stained stones. However, police confirmed they have not yet found any sharp weapons at the scene. "For now, we have not found any sharp weapons used or discovered at the location," he said.
Initial information indicates that the outside group had not been living in the Pegangsaan area for long but is suspected of having been involved in similar incidents several times. Police stressed they will thoroughly investigate this case. "We are still investigating. Please give us time, hopefully we can handle this case as soon as possible according to mechanisms and procedures," Roby said.