Cilacap House Becomes Safe House for Student Gang Suspects from Yogyakarta
The Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of Polresta Yogyakarta has uncovered a fatal assault case that occurred on Jalan Yos Sudarso, Kotabaru, in the Kridosono area, Gondokusuman, Yogyakarta City. The tragic incident left a student identified as AA, 17, dead.
During an intensive manhunt, officers arrested three of the six perpetrators in Cilacap Regency, Central Java, on Tuesday evening, 19 May. The three arrested were identified as LA, AF, and MY. It was noted that AF remains an active student, while LA and MY are alumni.
Kombes Eva Guna Pandia, the Police Chief of Yogyakarta City, disclosed that the perpetrators belonged to a student gang named Voster. Meanwhile, the victim is reported to have belonged to the Trah Gendeng gang.
Rumah di Cilacap Jadi Safe House Geng Pelajar
A shocking fact emerged during the investigation. Police found that the hideout in Cilacap had long served as a shelter for a cross-regional network of student gangs.
The head of the Yogyakarta City Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit, Commissioner Riski Adrian, stated that the location had previously been used as a hideout for perpetrators of student assault dealt with by Bantul Police. At present, the house is occupied only by a child who is also affiliated with the student gang.
Tindakan Tegas dan Koordinasi Lintas Instansi
The Yogyakarta City Police Chief stated that he will decisively take action against all parties involved in this street violence. The police also issued a stern warning to the other three suspects who remain at large to surrender immediately.
In addition to law enforcement, the Yogyakarta City Police will coordinate with the City Education, Youth and Sports Office (Disdikpora) to discuss rehabilitation measures for students involved in school gangs.
Desakan Jogja Police Watch (JPW)
Responding to the phenomenon, JPW’s Head of Public Relations, Baharuddin Kamba, urged the police to thoroughly investigate the Cilacap shelter. He said the modus operandi of fleeing to Cilacap has been repeated by street criminals from Yogyakarta.
“This chain must be broken so that there is no longer a hideout for street criminals. Schools must also be firm. Students proven to be involved in student gangs should be willing to resign,” Kamba said.
JPW also proposed strict administrative sanctions, such as revoking access to educational funding for students proved to be active in student gangs, to be redirected to other more deserving and high-achieving students.