Seven Suspects Now Named in Fatal Assault of Indonesian Army Soldier in Tangerang

The South Tangerang Police (Polres Tangsel) have confirmed that the number of suspects in the fatal assault of an Indonesian Army soldier has risen to seven. The victim, identified by the initials Prada ABS, was killed in an attack in the Kelapa Dua area, Tangerang Regency.

Head of Criminal Investigation at South Tangerang Police, AKP Wira Graha Setiawan, stated that investigators had previously named four suspects. Following further investigation, three additional individuals have been arrested. “The total number of suspects now stands at seven. We had previously named four, and three more have been added,” Wira said in Tangerang on Wednesday.

The arrests were the result of a joint operation by police investigators and the military. On Sunday, a team from the 1st Jaya Military Police Detachment (Denpom 1 Jaya) and the 052 Wijayakrama Military Resort Command (Korem) apprehended the three additional suspects, who have now been formally charged. All seven suspects are currently detained at the Metro Jaya Regional Police detention centre.

Head of Public Relations for Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, Colonel Inf Tri Purwanto, revealed that the fatal assault was allegedly triggered by a misunderstanding at a food stall in the Kelapa Dua area. The dispute escalated into a mob attack and stabbing of Prada ABS. The victim was later found by a witness along with his military identification card, which was immediately reported to the local Babinsa and Bhabinkamtibmas officers.

A joint investigation team has examined 17 witnesses. From these inquiries, nine individuals were identified as being directly involved in the assault and stabbing, while eight others were released due to lack of evidence. The military command has stressed that it will closely monitor the legal proceedings and has urged the public and the deceased’s colleagues to remain calm and trust the law enforcement process.