Military Commander Reveals Trigger for Attack on TNI Members by Indigenous Group in Jambi, Stemming from Palm Oil Theft Discovery

The Commander of Korem 042/Garuda Putih, Brigadier General TNI Nyamin, has ensured that those responsible for the attack on several TNI members in Sarolangun Regency, Jambi, will be processed according to applicable laws.

According to the Commander, the situation on the ground is currently conducive, and mediation processes have been conducted while awaiting the legal proceedings for the perpetrators, who are suspected to involve a specific group.

“The situation is conducive and mediation has been carried out while waiting for the legal process for the perpetrators,” the Commander stated in Jambi on Sunday, 30 August 2026.

Previously, a viral video circulating on social media showed five personnel from Yonif TP-896/SP being mobbed by a group of residents in the PT SAL area, Air Hitam District, Sarolangun Regency, Jambi, on Friday, 28 August 2026.

The incident began when TNI members on patrol caught several members of the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) indigenous group committing palm oil theft within the plantation area.

The attack was triggered by an altercation after the TNI members documented the theft, which was met with the destruction of the officers’ mobile phones by members of a specific group.

During the incident, dozens of people subsequently intercepted and attacked the personnel using sharp weapons and improvised firearms (kecepek).

The Commander of Yonif TP-896/SP immediately conducted mediation on-site to de-escalate the situation. The situation is currently declared safe and stable.