Garut Police Chief Takes Firm Action Against Local Gangster Who Opposed Push-up Punishment for Non-fasting Officers
The Head of Pakenjeng Police Sector (Kapolsek) First Inspector Muslih Hidayat took decisive action by subduing a local gangster in Pakenjeng District, Garut Regency, West Java, who had caused public disturbance by resisting officers following a crackdown on individuals not observing the Ramadan fast.
“Because he made threats, I immediately took firm action by subduing him as a warning not to cause trouble,” said the Police Chief when contacted by phone in Garut on Saturday.
He explained that the incident began when his officers, together with the district communication forum and local youth, organised food distribution ahead of the Iftar meal on Friday, 13 March 2026.
A local gangster named Tio, also known as Tio Kobra, suddenly approached the Police Chief and voiced objections to police action that had already apprehended his associates, then made threats against the Police Chief and the district administrator.
The Police Chief revealed that the gangster’s actions stemmed from a crackdown conducted 10 days earlier. Upon returning from a Ramadan outreach mission, he had observed numerous motorcycles in the Pakenjeng Mini-hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTM) area with no one around them.
“I found it strange—many motorcycles but no people visible. I investigated and discovered the individuals were below, drinking and smoking,” he said.
Muslih and his officers conducted an inventory and imposed sanctions on the youth not observing the fast by requiring them to perform push-ups in accordance with the Garut District Regent’s directive on Ramadan observance guidance.
Following the crackdown, the local gangster reportedly became upset and expressed his displeasure on Friday, 13 March by confronting the Police Chief regarding the police action.
“I explained that the action was in accordance with regulations, but he didn’t understand and spoke harshly, insulting me. I remained calm for a while, but ultimately we had to take action,” he said.
The Police Chief stated that the gangster’s behaviour was excessive, particularly when he made death threats, which prompted the firm action to secure him.
The Police Chief’s effort encountered resistance from the local gangster, resulting in a fight until the gangster was eventually subdued and surrendered due to exhaustion. Police seized a small machete that he was carrying.