Metro Police Pledge Strict Action Against Debt Collectors Harassing and Seizing Citizens' Property
The Jakarta Metro Police have pledged strict action against debt collectors or “mata elang” (illegal collection agents) who disturb the public. The Metro Police stated there is zero tolerance for the actions of such agents that disrupt public safety.
“We have already instructed all police chiefs under the Jakarta Metro Police to take firm, precise, and measured action against mata elang or debt collectors who disturb the public, disrupt public order and security, seize or forcibly take property belonging to the community that is not theirs or their right,” said Head of Public Relations at Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters Kombes Budi Hermanto at National Police Headquarters in South Jakarta on Friday (27 February 2026).
Budi stated that regulations already exist governing debt collection. He said these regulations will be reviewed to put pressure on financing institutions to conduct more orderly debt collection practices.
“We state firmly that the Jakarta Metro Police will not tolerate actions that damage or seize the property of the public that is forcibly seized,” Budi said.
The latest mata elang action causing public distress was the stabbing of an advocate in Kelapa Dua, Tangerang Regency. The stabbing was carried out by a debt collector whilst attempting to forcibly repossess a vehicle from the victim, who is an advocate.
Kombes Budi Hermanto stated the incident occurred on Monday (23 February) at 16:40 Western Indonesia Time. The victim and his wife, who were heading out to pick up their child, found three unknown individuals in front of their house.
“The victim had an argument with the three unknown individuals regarding outstanding instalments on a white Toyota Fortuner belonging to the victim, with arrears of two months. The victim and a witness ignored the three unknown individuals who claimed to be debt collectors,” Budi told journalists on Tuesday (24 February).
Upon reaching the housing complex gate, the victim confronted a security officer because of the individuals who had come to his house. The alleged perpetrators, who were leaving the complex, met the victim at the gate. It was then that an argument ensued that resulted in a stabbing.
“Because the vehicle allegedly belonging to the perpetrators was blocking the road, the victim approached them to request their identity. When the witness exited the vehicle, he saw the victim bleeding profusely from stab wounds to his stomach inflicted by one of the men wearing a blue checkered shirt,” Budi explained.
Shortly afterwards, the alleged perpetrators left the scene. Budi stated the victim was stabbed three times by the perpetrator.
Police subsequently arrested the debt collector who stabbed the advocate, Bastian Sori, in Kelapa Dua, Tangerang. The suspect, with initials JBI, was arrested on Tuesday (24 February) evening in the Semarang area, Central Java.