Criminologist Urges Police Transparency in Investigating Assault on Mirror Trader in Pejompongan
Josias Simon, a criminologist from the University of Indonesia (UI), is urging the police to act professionally and transparently in investigating the assault on Bambang Setiawan (5och). The mirror trader became a victim of violence in the Pejompongan area, Central Jakarta, amidst a series of riots following demonstrations on 27 August.
Josias stated that the public is currently awaiting certainty regarding law enforcement in this case. He emphasised the importance of the police uncovering the matter based on strong facts and legal evidence, without being influenced by the interests or pressure of certain parties.
“The public is currently waiting for law enforcement regarding this mirror trader case. The police must certainly be professional in revealing it and not be influenced by certain parties,” Josias said when contacted by Media Indonesia on Tuesday (1/9).
Furthermore, Josias highlighted various pieces of information circulating widely on social media regarding the alleged involvement of community organisations (ormas) and certain figures in the incident. According to him, the police need to provide official clarification immediately to dampen speculation.
He asserted that although information on social media cannot necessarily be used directly as evidence, it serves as an important clue. The police are expected to follow these clues to ensure the actual facts of what happened on the ground are established.
“The clues circulating widely on social media regarding the involvement of community organisations and certain figures need to be clarified immediately to provide a sense of trust, safety, and order in society,” he added.
Josias requested that the investigation process should not stop at the allegations developing in the community. Every party whose name is implicated or suspected of having a connection must be examined thoroughly in accordance with applicable legal procedures.
“If involvement is proven, then immediate action must be taken, and vice versa,” concluded Josias, emphasising the importance of justice for the victim.
The Indonesian Advocates Association (DPN PERADI) is also urging the National Police to thoroughly investigate the death of Bambang Setiyawan, the mirror trader who died during the Pejompongan unrest.
Metro Jaya Regional Police have revealed the chronology of the death of mirror trader Bambang Setiyawan (59) during the Pejompongan riots (28/8/2026). The family has declined an autopsy.