Debt Collector Arrested on Bus While Fleeing to Semarang After Stabbing Lawyer

Police have arrested a debt collector, also known as a ‘mata elang’ (matel), who stabbed a lawyer, Bastian Sori, in Kelapa Dua, Tangerang. The suspect, identified as JBI, was arrested last night in the Semarang area, Central Java.

“The Special Crime Unit of the Metro Jaya Regional Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate secured the suspected perpetrator of the stabbing of a lawyer in the Kelapa Dua sub-district, South Tangerang. The suspect, JBI, was apprehended on Thursday, 24 February 2026, at 11.50 pm in Semarang, Central Java,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, on Wednesday (25/2/2026).

Budi stated that the suspect was arrested on a bus. At the time, the suspect was in transit, attempting to flee after stabbing the victim.

“He was apprehended on the bus, while he was trying to escape,” he said.

Currently, the suspect has been taken by investigators from the Special Crime Unit of the Metro Jaya Regional Police. Further examinations and investigations are being conducted to fully uncover the case.

“Currently, the suspect is undergoing questioning for further investigation,” he added.

Chronology of the Stabbing

Previously, Budi said that the incident occurred on Monday (23/2) at 4.40 pm. The victim and his wife, who were about to pick up their child, encountered three individuals in front of their house.

“The victim and the three unknown individuals had an argument regarding an outstanding car loan payment for the victim’s white Toyota Fortuner. The victim had missed two months of payments. The victim and the witness ignored the three unknown individuals who claimed to be debt collectors,” Budi told reporters on Tuesday (24/2).

Upon arriving at the housing complex gate, the victim reprimanded the security guard because of the individuals who had come to his house. The individuals, who were about to leave the complex, met the victim at the gate. At that moment, an argument ensued, leading to the stabbing.

“Because at that time, the vehicle allegedly belonging to the suspect was blocking the road, the victim approached the suspect to ask for identification. When the witness came out of the car, he saw that the victim was covered in blood, which was coming from the stab wound in his stomach, inflicted by one of the men wearing a blue checkered shirt,” Budi explained.

Shortly after, the perpetrators left the scene. Budi said that the victim was stabbed three times by the suspect.

Budi Hermanto said that the case is being handled by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Tangsel Police. The police are currently conducting an investigation into the perpetrators.

“The perpetrators are still being investigated by the Tangsel Police,” he added.

(rdh/mea)