Police Confirm No Kidnapping in Sekotong, Hunt for Robbery Suspect
Police have confirmed that a widely circulated social media report of a kidnapping in Sekotong District, West Lombok, was false. The incident was a case of violent theft, or robbery, where the perpetrator lured the victim with promises of basic food aid and money. The suspect is currently being pursued.
Sekotong Police Chief Iptu I Ketut Suriarta stated that officers immediately went to the location after receiving the information circulating on social media regarding the alleged kidnapping of a resident in Sekotong Tengah Village. “As soon as we received the information circulating on social media, we immediately went to the location to ascertain the actual facts,” Suriarta said on Thursday (6/8/2026).
The investigation confirmed the incident was not a kidnapping, but a criminal act of theft with violence. “The actual incident was a criminal act of theft with violence, using the modus operandi of persuading the victim with promises of basic food aid and money,” Suriarta explained.
The incident occurred on Wednesday (5/8/2026). The victim, a 19-year-old man from Gunung Kosong Hamlet, Sekotong Tengah Village, was sitting in a traditional gazebo in front of his house when an unidentified man approached him. The perpetrator invited the victim to collect basic food aid in Repok Gapuk Hamlet, Taman Baru Village. To gain the victim’s trust, the perpetrator promised him IDR 200,000 in cash if he agreed to come along. The victim agreed.
Before leaving, the perpetrator asked if the victim had a mobile phone. After the victim said he did not, the perpetrator asked him to fetch it, claiming they needed to exchange phone numbers. The perpetrator then took the victim on a red Suzuki Satria FU motorcycle towards Buwun Mas Village. Upon reaching a secluded area near Jurang Dalang, Lemer Hamlet, the perpetrator suddenly stopped the motorcycle. He then threatened the victim and demanded his mobile phone. The victim tried to hold onto his phone, but the perpetrator pushed him, causing him to fall, before seizing the device and fleeing.
As a result of the incident, the victim suffered abrasions on both palms and bruises from the fall. The Sekotong Police Criminal Investigation Unit is currently investigating the case to identify the perpetrator. “Our members are currently gathering statements from witnesses. We will strive to solve this case as quickly as possible,” Suriarta stated. He also appealed to the public not to easily trust unverified information to avoid causing panic and to be more vigilant against criminal tactics involving persuasion or the promise of gifts.