Man stabbed in Tomang, West Jakarta; police say it was triggered by a romantic dispute

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A man was the victim of a stabbing in the area of Jalan Tomang Utara 1, Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta, on Wednesday evening, 20 May 2026.

In a video circulating on social media, the victim appears to have head injuries and his body is covered in blood.

The incident, which occurred around 22:00 Western Indonesia Time (WIB), attracted crowds to the scene as residents tried to assist.

The victim was then transported to hospital by motorcycle.

The head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Grogol Petamburan Police Sector, AKP Alexander Tengbunan, confirmed the incident.

‘Yes (there was a stabbing), but it wasn’t a mugging; initial indications point to a personal matter between the victim and the perpetrator due to a romantic problem,’ Alex said when contacted by Kompas.com via text message on Thursday morning, 21 May 2026.

According to Alex, the suspected motive of a personal grudge is based on the victim’s statement to police shortly after the incident.

In addition, police did not find any evidence that valuables belonging to the victim had been taken.

‘From the victim’s statement (the suspected motive of a personal grudge), there was not at all any of the victim’s belongings taken,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the victim who sustained a stab wound to the head remains under medical treatment at Rumah Sumber Waras.

‘At present the victim is being treated at RS Sumber Waras; we (the police) are pursuing the case and will certainly follow up,’ he added.