Tangerang Police Hunt Three Suspects in Ciledug Fruit Trader Machete Attack
The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Tangerang City Metro Police is hunting three suspected perpetrators of a machete attack on fruit traders in Ciledug, Tangerang City, Banten, after the victims refused to hand over protection money. Investigators are still pursuing several other suspects, including ZI alias Udin, Fajar, and Angki, who are believed to have been involved in the assault, said Tangerang City Metro Police Criminal Investigation Head AKBP Parikhesit on Friday.
The violent incident, allegedly triggered by a demand for illegal levies, led to a bloody clash on Jalan Raden Fatah, West Sudimara Village, Ciledug District, Tangerang City, on Wednesday night. The event, which occurred around 11 p.m. local time, resulted in several people suffering machete wounds and requiring hospital treatment.
Parikhesit explained that the incident began when a man identified as ZI alias Udin approached a stall selling watermelons and melons to demand Rp10,000 per day. The traders refused the demand. He then left, but returned shortly afterwards carrying a sharp weapon and accompanied by several associates. According to Parikhesit, the perpetrator initially arrived with about six people and challenged the traders. Outnumbered during the first clash, the group returned with around ten more individuals, also armed with sharp weapons, and launched an attack, causing a brawl that left several people with slash wounds.
As a result, three fruit traders sustained serious injuries to various parts of their bodies. Additionally, two individuals from the attacking group were also injured and received medical care. Following the report, a joint team from the Tangerang City Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit and the local police sector moved swiftly to investigate. Based on witness examinations and field developments, officers managed to detain two people suspected of involvement in the incident. One, identified as MSS alias Bule, is suspected of participating in the machete attack. Police also detained Panji alias Qwenk, who allegedly helped transport one of the perpetrators to the hospital after the incident.
During a search of one suspect’s home, officers found a machete sheath. At another location, a sandal with bloodstains was discovered and is currently undergoing further examination. Police also seized a machete found at the scene as evidence. Parikhesit stated that examinations of the victims and detained parties will be conducted once their health conditions permit, and the investigation continues to identify all involved perpetrators.
Meanwhile, Tangerang City Metro Police Chief Senior Commissioner Raden Muhammad Jauhari urged the public not to resolve problems through violence or vigilante actions. He appealed to all residents to maintain a conducive security and public order situation. Should anyone experience thuggery, extortion, or other criminal acts, they should immediately report them to the police via the 110 service or the nearest police station. He also asked the public not to be easily provoked and to entrust the handling of all matters to law enforcement officials to maintain security and order in the Tangerang City area. Jauhari affirmed that the police will take firm action against any form of thuggery that disturbs the community in accordance with applicable legal provisions.