Group in Car Attacks Two Students with Machetes in Bantul, One Arrested

Two individuals riding a motorcycle were victims of a machete attack by a group in a car in the Gose area, Bantul. The victims, who are students, sustained machete wounds to their heads and backs.

The Head of Public Relations for the Bantul Police, Inspector Rita Hidayton, stated that the incident began when the victims and their friends were returning from a friend’s house in Kayen, Sendangsari, Pajangan, Bantul, on Saturday (1/8) at approximately 02:00 WIB. The victims and their group had stopped at the Palbapang petrol station to refuel.

“After purchasing fuel, the victims and their group continued their journey north,” said Rita when contacted on Tuesday (1/9/2026).

Upon reaching the Palbapang intersection, a Toyota Avanza and a Yamaha Aerox motorcycle pulled alongside the victims’ group. Furthermore, the unidentified group challenged the victims’ group to a confrontation.

“The victims’ group then engaged in a chase towards the Gose area. Once in Gose, the passenger in the Avanza opened the window and swung a sickle (celurit) towards the victims riding the motorcycle,” she explained.

As a result of the attack, one victim sustained a wound to the head, while their companion suffered a wound to the upper right part of the back.

“The attackers then fled, and the victims and their companion were taken to the nearest hospital for medical treatment. The victim required ten stitches,” she added, noting that the victims are students.

After receiving medical treatment, the victims reported the incident to the Bantul Police on Monday (3/8). Following the report, the police conducted an investigation and apprehended several individuals involved in the group.

“From the investigation, the findings pointed to one primary perpetrator, MRA (26), a resident of Bangunjiwo, Kasihan, Bantul. MRA was secured yesterday, Monday (31/8),” she said.

Rita added that the police also conducted a search of MRA’s residence. As a result, the police discovered several sharp weapons.

“The evidence seized includes three sickles suspected to be related to the assault on the victims. Additionally, a sword was also found,” she stated.

Currently, Rita continued, the police are still conducting further investigations into the case. MRA is currently being held in custody at the Bantul Police Station.

“The perpetrator is facing charges of assault as stipulated in Article 466 of Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the Criminal Code (KUHP),” she concluded.