Sultan HB X Forms Task Force to Probe Rising 'Klitih' Violence After Student's Stabbing Death

YOGYAKARTA – Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Governor of the Yogyakarta Special Region, has commented on the case of an 18-year-old student, identified as AA, who died after being stabbed near SMAN 3 Yogyakarta or close to Kridosono Stadium. The Sultan expressed concern over street violence, which had subsided in recent months, resurfacing.

Sultan said a task force has been formed and is already working to identify the causes, but it is not straightforward. “We have formed a task force. It is already working to identify the causes, but it’s not as straightforward as it seems,” said Sultan HB X at the Kepatihan Complex in Yogyakarta on Thursday, 21 May 2026.

The task force is not only examining police data but also investigating local communities to understand what truly happened. “We don’t know the exact economic conditions or whether it’s just typical delinquency — we need to find out. We’re currently trying to identify the root causes,” he added.

The Sultan also mentioned the ‘Jaga Warga’ programme, previously deemed effective in maintaining community safety in Yogyakarta. However, following the incident, he questioned why similar cases have resurfaced. “But why is it happening again? We need to know the motive — first, we must investigate thoroughly,” he said.

According to the Sultan, the findings from this investigation will form the basis for government action to prevent similar incidents from recurring.