Four Companions Questioned as Police Investigate Murder of Joxzin Brigade Member in Bantul
Police are questioning multiple witnesses in connection with the murder of Kitin Yoga Tama Rustamaji, also known as YTR (36), a member of the Joxzin Brigade, at his home in Kaliurang, Argomulyo, Sedayu, Bantul. Among those being questioned are four companions who had gathered at the victim’s house before the murder occurred.
“Four witnesses were companions who had gathered at the victim’s house before the incident,” said Iptu Rita Hidayanto, Head of Public Relations for Bantul Police, when contacted by detikJogja on Friday (27 February 2026).
When asked whether the four individuals were aware of the planned attack on the victim, Rita declined to comment at this stage. “We are still investigating that matter,” she stated.
Rita could not confirm whether the four people who gathered at the victim’s house were members of the Joxzin Brigade. “That is still being investigated,” she said.
Long-standing Brigade Member
The victim, Kitin Yoga Tama Rustamaji (36), reportedly had been a member of the Joxzin Brigade for some time. “The victim was indeed a member of Joxzin,” said Mohamad Novweni, a member of the Joxzin Brigade’s Legal and Human Rights Team, in an interview at Bantul Police Station on Friday (22 February).
Novweni disclosed that the victim had been a brigade member for more than five years and possessed an official membership card. “He has held a Joxzin membership card since 2019,” he stated.
Joxzin Brigade Delegates Meet Police
Novweni arrived at Bantul Police Station with a delegation from the Joxzin Brigade. They hope that the murder investigation will be swiftly resolved.
The delegation wore black clothing with green Joxzin lettering. A representative of the delegation was received by the Bantul Police Chief for an audience.
“Our friends have presented an open letter to the Police Chief today. The police have also informed us of the measures they have taken in cooperation with the Provincial Police, and that this case has become a priority for investigation to achieve faster resolution,” Novweni told journalists at Bantul Police Station.
Novweni stated that in the open letter, the Joxzin Brigade urged swift case resolution to prevent unrest on the ground. Many of his comrades are angry and offended by the incident.
“We are appealing to Bantul Police to swiftly identify the suspected perpetrators to prevent unrest and mutual accusations about who the perpetrators are,” he said.
The Joxzin Brigade strongly condemned the cowardly act of those who attacked the victim with a sharp weapon whilst he was sleeping with his wife and child.
“We, the Joxzin Brigade family, urgently demand that Bantul Police take action and arrest the perpetrators of this murder within 48 hours from the time this letter was sent,” he stated.
Regarding the motive for the victim’s murder, Novweni said he did not yet know. However, he suspected that a longstanding grudge lay behind the killing.
“The police also informed us that no items were reported missing. Therefore, we suspect that the incident occurred because of a longstanding grudge,” he said.
Attacked While Sleeping with Wife and Child
A man died after being attacked with a machete at a house in Kaliurang, Argomulyo, Sedayu, Bantul. The attack occurred inside the home whilst the victim was sleeping with his wife and child on Wednesday (25 February).
Two masked perpetrators attacked the victim. After successfully slashing the victim, the perpetrators immediately fled the house. The victim’s five-year-old child was unharmed, whilst his wife sustained injuries after attempting to shield against the attack.