Munil Dies After Being Tortured for Accusing Perpetrator of Stealing His Phone During Drinking Party

Police have stated that the assault which led to the death of Triyanto (40), also known as Munil, in Pringading Guwosari, Pajangan, Bantul, was triggered by the perpetrators taking offence at Munil’s remarks. Both the perpetrators and the victim were under the influence of alcohol at the time.

Head of Criminal Investigation at Bantul Police, AKP Subihan Afuan Ardhi, said the motive for the assault on Munil was that the suspects became emotional while drinking together. The perpetrators and the victim were friends who often drank alcohol together.

“The motive was that the suspects were provoked by the victim’s harsh words, and at the time everyone was under the influence of alcohol,” he told reporters at Bantul Police Headquarters on Monday (31/8/2026).

Regarding what words provoked the suspects, Subihan said it was an accusation of smartphone theft. However, it turned out the victim had simply forgotten where he had put his phone.

“Initially the conversation was about the victim’s missing phone and mutual accusations. After it was explained, it turned out the victim had forgotten where he put it, and the suspects took offence, which led to the assault,” he said.

For their actions, the three suspects — DS (26), a resident of Kasihan, Bantul; BG (21), a resident of Pandak; and APB (25), a resident of Kraton, Yogyakarta City — are charged under Article 466 Paragraph (3) of the Criminal Code, which stipulates that perpetrators of assault resulting in death shall be punished with a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment.

“Additionally, Article 262 Paragraph (4) of the Criminal Code regulates the criminal act of joint violence in public (group assault) resulting in death. The maximum penalty is 12 years’ imprisonment,” he said.

Munil was found at APB’s house in Pringading Guwosari, Pajangan, Bantul on Sunday (23/8). The case began when Munil and two perpetrators, DS and BG, were drinking in Kasihan on Saturday (22/8).

DS and BG beat the victim out of anger over his words. APB then arrived and intended to take Munil to his house.

APB then rode with BG and Munil on a motorcycle to APB’s house. However, on the way they stopped at a stall in Wirobrajan, Yogyakarta City, to buy iced tea.

“At the stall, the three met D and immediately began beating the victim and slashing a sharp weapon at the victim’s head. Meanwhile, APB kicked the victim twice,” Subihan said.

Upon arriving at APB’s house, the victim was tortured again until he eventually died. Suspects D and L, who are still at large, also participated in torturing the victim at the house.

“At APB’s house, the victim was stabbed with a sharp weapon and kicked in the neck by D. Then L dripped candle wax and burned the victim’s pubic hair,” he said.