Metropolitan Police Arrest Debt Collector in Lawyer Stabbing Case
The Metro Jaya Regional Police have arrested a debt collector, or ‘mata elang’ (matel), who stabbed lawyer Bastomi Sori in Kelapa Dua, Tangerang. The perpetrator was apprehended while on the run in Semarang, Central Java.
The Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that the arrest was a swift response by the police to provide protection to the public.
“We respond quickly to every incident that causes unrest. Debt collection must not be carried out outside of legal mechanisms, especially if accompanied by intimidation or violence. Every violation will be dealt with firmly in accordance with legal provisions,” said Commissioner Budi Hermanto on Wednesday (25 February 2026).
Budi Hermanto said that the perpetrator, identified as JBI, was arrested by the Special Crime Investigation Unit of the Metro Jaya Regional Police’s General Criminal Investigation Directorate in Semarang, Central Java, on Tuesday (23 February) evening.
“He is currently undergoing questioning for further investigation,” he added.
The Metro Jaya Regional Police appealed to the public to remain calm and not be easily influenced by unverified information. If they need police assistance or wish to report a crime, the public can contact the 24-hour emergency service on 110.
Stabbing Triggered by Car Repossession
The Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, said that the stabbing was carried out by the perpetrators, who claimed to be debt collectors from a leasing company. The perpetrators claimed that the victim’s Fortuner car had outstanding payments.
“The victim and the three unknown individuals had an argument about the outstanding payments on the victim’s white Toyota Fortuner car, which had been outstanding for two months. The victim and a witness ignored the three unknown individuals who claimed to be debt collectors,” Budi told reporters on Tuesday (24 February).
The horrific incident occurred in a residential area in the Karawaci area, Kelapa Dua, Tangerang Regency, on Sunday (23 February). The victim suffered three stab wounds to the abdomen and back as a result of the incident and is currently being treated in hospital.
(mea/dhn)