One Year After Garut Pendopo Tragedy, Students Urge West Java Police to Conclude Case

One year has passed since the deadly tragedy at the Pendopo in Garut Regency, which claimed three lives, yet the legal process appears to have stalled. The incident occurred during a public feast celebrating the wedding of Maula Akbar Mulyadi Putra, son of West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, and Deputy Regent of Garut Putri Karlina, on 18 July 2025. The West Java Student and Youth Alliance staged a peaceful demonstration outside the West Java Police headquarters on Wednesday, demanding legal certainty over the handling of the case, which they say has shown no significant progress. Action coordinator MF Akbar stated the protest was an expression of concern for the victims and a reminder that the case must not be abandoned. He questioned the extent of the investigation into the tragedy, which also left dozens injured, noting that the families of the deceased are still awaiting justice. Prior to the protest, the group conducted a week-long observation in Garut, meeting with the families of both the deceased and the injured, who expressed their hope that the legal process would continue to its conclusion. In its statement, the alliance noted that the case has proceeded slowly despite being transferred from the Garut Police to the West Java Police. They pointed out that nearly a year has passed without any information on an upgrade in the case status, even though investigators have examined at least 11 witnesses from various parties. The group believes the tragedy, which killed three people including a police officer and injured dozens more, was likely caused by negligence on the part of the organisers. Their observations found that several injured victims continue to suffer from health problems and post-traumatic psychological distress. They are therefore urging investigators to thoroughly pursue all those suspected of responsibility without discrimination. The alliance acknowledged that compensation provided to the victims’ families is a humanitarian responsibility, but stressed it does not nullify the ongoing legal process. They demanded that the West Java Police provide an official public explanation on the progress of the investigation. The group presented five demands: continuing the legal handling of the case, elevating the matter to the investigation stage and naming suspects if criminal elements are met, probing the alleged slow handling of the case, providing legal certainty for the victims, and concluding the investigation without favouritism. Akbar warned that a larger demonstration would be held if no significant progress is made. The protest was conducted under police supervision, with participants taking turns delivering speeches and displaying banners demanding the case be resolved.