Police Name Four Suspects in Assault of NGO Activist in Lebak

Banten Regional Police have named four individuals as suspects in the assault of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) activist in Lebak Regency, Fuk Tjhong alias Uun. The four have been detained at the Banten Police Headquarters. “As of today, we have named four people as suspects,” said Banten Police Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, to journalists on Friday (24/7/2026). The four suspects are men with the initials D, A, R, and E. D’s role was instructing a mass organisation to seize the victim, whilst the other three physically assaulted him. “D instructed the mass organisation to bring the victim,” Maruli stated. Investigators have so far questioned several individuals with knowledge of the incident. The victim has also been interviewed by Banten Police. “As of today, investigators have examined the victim, the victim’s wife, and seven other people who are currently witnesses,” he said. Banten Police are continuing to investigate the case and have not ruled out the involvement of other perpetrators. Maruli stressed that the police will thoroughly pursue the matter. “From the statements of witnesses and the suspects, we will dig deeper. Whoever was at the crime scene, saw the incident, or even committed the assault, we will pick them up. There is no room for vigilantism in the jurisdiction of the Banten Police,” he said. Police have also secured several pieces of evidence related to the case, including videos and mobile phones used for communication. “We have obtained evidence, including the initial medical report, documentation of the incident, and viral videos. We also have mobile phones which we will examine,” he added. The assault on Uun was previously reported after a video of the incident went viral on social media. In the footage, a shirtless Uun is seen cowering and holding his shaved head inside a vehicle. A voice is heard interrogating Uun, accusing him of insulting a council chairperson. Uun is heard saying he regretted his actions and would apologise to the chairperson, adding he would accept being killed if he repeated the offence. The incident allegedly occurred on Saturday (18/7) in Babakan Pulo Village, Bojong Leles Subdistrict, Cibadak District, Lebak Regency. Responding to the allegations, Lebak DPRD Chairperson Juwita Wulandari denied any involvement, stating she never instructed anyone to commit violence or abduction against Uun. “Regarding the recent issue circulating in the media that I allegedly ordered someone or a group to commit violence or kidnap Mr Uun, I am exercising my right of reply. I clarify that the news is not true,” Juwita said on Wednesday (22/7). “I never instructed anyone to commit such violence, and I never had any communication about it,” she added.