Indonesian Advocates' Congress Urges Police to Investigate Debt Collectors Who Stabbed Lawyer in Tangerang
The Indonesian Advocates’ Congress (KAI) has strongly condemned the stabbing of a lawyer by a group of individuals believed to be debt collectors, known locally as “mata elang” (matel), in Kelapa Dua, Tangerang. KAI is urging police to thoroughly investigate the perpetrators.
KAI National Executive Presidium member and Regional Coordinator for West Java, Banten and Jakarta, Aldwin Rahadian, stated that the victim, Bastian Sori, is both a member and an official of the KAI Banten Provincial Chapter.
“We appreciate the swift response of the South Tangerang Police Chief and his team in attending to the victim and treating this incident seriously. We hope the law enforcement process will be conducted professionally, transparently and thoroughly, including examining the possibility of corporate criminal liability on the part of the financing company concerned,” Aldwin Rahadian said in a statement to journalists on Tuesday (24/2/2026).
Aldwin said the forced vehicle repossession carried out by debt collectors from a leasing company constituted a form of violence and legal violation that cannot be tolerated in a state governed by law.
“This action is a clear form of thuggery and a serious criminal offence. The stabbing of a lawyer who was exercising his legal rights is an attack on the legal profession and a threat to the rule of law,” he added.
Referring to Law Number 1 of 2023 on the New Criminal Code, the forced repossession of vehicles accompanied by violence or threats of violence can be classified as theft with violence as stipulated in Articles 476 and 479 of the Criminal Code, carrying severe criminal penalties.
“Moreover, if committed on the victim’s residential premises, the penalties may be increased,” he said.
Aldwin Rahadian also noted that Financial Services Authority (OJK) regulations explicitly prohibit debt collection practices involving intimidation, threats, or physical or psychological violence. Should violations be proven, the financing company may face administrative sanctions up to the revocation of its business licence, in addition to potential civil and criminal claims.
Police Launch Investigation
Previously, South Tangerang Police Chief Senior Commissioner Boy Jumalolo confirmed the stabbing by a group of debt collectors had taken place.
“It is confirmed that an incident occurred in which a group of debt collectors assaulted someone in Kelapa Dua,” Boy said on Tuesday (23/2).
Boy stated that the Criminal Investigation Unit of South Tangerang Police had visited the crime scene and examined several witnesses in order to take action against the group of debt collectors responsible for the stabbing.
“Several witnesses have been examined to facilitate action and the arrest of the aggressive debt collectors,” he said.