Police Arrest One Suspect in Assault of NGO Activist in Lebak
Banten Police have arrested a man with the initials AS as a suspect in the assault of NGO activist Fuk Tjhong, alias Uun, in Lebak Regency. Police stated the victim was forcibly taken to the home of the Lebak Regency DPRD Chairperson.
Head of Public Relations for Banten Police, Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, explained that based on preliminary investigations, the incident allegedly occurred on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at around 7 p.m. local time in Kampung Babakan Pulo, Bojong Leles Village, Cibadak District, Lebak Regency.
“The victim was allegedly approached by a group of people, subjected to violence, and then forcibly taken by vehicle to the residence of the Lebak Regency DPRD Chairperson to be made to apologise,” Maruli said on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
Maruli stated that a crime scene investigation had been conducted, a medical examination of the victim had been carried out, and several witnesses and the victim had been summoned for questioning. Police have now arrested one perpetrator who has been named a suspect.
“We have secured one suspect with the initials AS, who is currently undergoing further examination,” Maruli explained.
Banten Police indicated that the perpetrator is believed not to have acted alone. Authorities are currently investigating and pursuing several other individuals suspected of involvement in the incident.
“Investigators are still searching for and attempting to arrest other suspected accomplices. All parties proven to be involved will be held criminally accountable in accordance with applicable legal provisions. We are also continuing to gather evidence, including witness statements and items that have been secured,” he stated.
Previously, it was reported that Uun was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted. The incident was recorded on video and went viral on social media. In the circulating video footage, a bare-chested Uun is seen crouching and holding his shaved head inside a car.
In the video recording, Uun can be heard being interrogated by a man. The man stated that Uun had harassed and insulted the council chairperson. Uun expressed regret for his actions and admitted he would apologise to the council chairperson. He said that if he repeated the act, he would be willing to be killed.
Following the incident, Uun reported the matter to the police. Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea confirmed that his office had received Uun’s report, which is currently under investigation.
“The case has been elevated to the investigation stage based on Police Report Number LP/B/313/VII/SPKT II.DITRESKRIMUM/2026/PDB dated 19 July 2026. Investigators are working thoroughly to uncover the full sequence of events reported,” Maruli said.
DPRD Lebak Chairperson Denies Involvement
When contacted separately, Lebak Regency DPRD Chairperson Juwita Wulandari denied ordering anyone to assault Uun. She rejected any association with the incident.
“Regarding the recent issue circulating in the media that I allegedly ordered someone or a group to commit violence or kidnap Mr Uun, this is my right of reply. I clarify that the news is not true,” Juwita said.
“I never ordered anyone to commit such violence, and I never communicated with anyone about it,” she continued.
Juwita admitted that Uun had previously contacted her. She stated there was no further communication after the incident.
“The initial story was a husband and wife venting. Mr U sent me a private WhatsApp message using language that I considered unethical. I told my husband, ‘Why is Mr U becoming increasingly rude?’ My husband only looked at the message content. It was limited to that, and there was no further communication,” she said.