Teenage Motorcycle Convoy Stopped in West Jakarta for Carrying Firecrackers and Weapons Under Guise of Iftar Distribution

Jakarta — A group of teenagers conducted a disruptive motorcycle convoy under the guise of distributing iftar meals, causing concern amongst residents and road users in the Tamansari area of West Jakarta.

In video footage received by Kompas.com, the youths were seen conducting a group motorcycle convoy along Hayam Wuruk Street, Mangga Besar Subdistrict. The majority of convoy participants used modified exhausts that produced loud noise and repeatedly sounded their horns.

Additionally, they frequently blocked roads and set off firecrackers simultaneously, causing traffic congestion.

In response to residents’ concerns, officers from the Tamansari Metro Police Substation conducted patrols and enforcement operations. Officers conducted checkpoints at the Olimo traffic light junction on Hayam Wuruk Street and at Mangga Besar Raya Street on Monday (16 March 2026).

The Tamansari Metro Police Substation Chief, Kompol Bobby M Zulfikar, stated that officers successfully stopped the convoy and seized several pieces of evidence that could pose dangers and trigger brawls.

“We secured 30 firecrackers or petards, 15 lengths of bamboo or pipes, 15 group flags, and one samurai sword,” said Bobby when confirmed by Kompas.com on Monday (16 March 2026).

Bobby explained that this action was taken in response to residents’ complaints who felt intimidated and disturbed by the presence of these youths.

“When we detained them, their reason was that they wanted to distribute iftar on the road, and they claimed they received an invitation to break fast together,” Bobby stated.

Despite claiming they wanted to conduct a positive activity during Ramadan, the methods they employed violated public order and threatened the security of surrounding residents.

“But it turned out they were carrying flags and setting off firecrackers. That disturbs the public, so it had to be stopped and halted before it could potentially cause riots,” he said.

Bobby emphasised that distributing iftar is genuinely a positive activity, but it must be conducted in an orderly manner, without forming convoys and without carrying dangerous attributes or items.

The teenagers detained during the enforcement operation have been brought to a social welfare facility for rehabilitation and further guidance.

“They have been brought to the Bina Insan Bangun Daya 1 Social Welfare Facility in Kedoya for rehabilitation,” Bobby concluded.