Drunk Man Posing as Journalist Extorts Trader in Bandung Using Airsoft Gun

A man identified by the initials GV (27), who claimed to be a journalist, was arrested by police for allegedly threatening a trader with an airsoft gun at a coffee shop in Pasar Baleendah, Bandung Regency, West Java, on Wednesday (2/9/2026) at approximately 11:45 PM WIB.

The incident began when the individual arrived with a companion, NMI (26), on a motorcycle while in a state of intoxication. They demanded alcoholic beverages from the stall owner, accompanied by threats using an airsoft gun tucked into the right side of the suspect’s waist.

“The perpetrator was in a drunken state and claimed to be from the media. Because the stall does not sell alcohol, the owner refused,” stated the Chief of Baleendah Police, AKP Hendri Noki Rukmansyah, when confirmed on Thursday (3/9/2026).

However, the perpetrator continued to insist that the stall owner comply with his demands, which could not be met as the establishment does not sell liquor. The suspect persisted, even threatening to make the establishment go viral on social media. Local residents who witnessed the incident subsequently reported the matter to the police.

“Based on preliminary investigations, police have also obtained information suggesting that the suspect may have previously engaged in extortion within the Baleendah Police jurisdiction by posing as a journalist,” the Chief of Baleendah Police added.

Results from medical examinations showed that the suspect’s urine tested positive for amphetamine and benzodiazepine (benzo).

“It is known that he frequently performs extortion and claims to be a journalist within the Baleendah jurisdiction,” he said.

The suspect is currently being held at the Baleendah Police Station. The police are applying Article 448 of Law Number 1 of 2023 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.