Teenagers Attempting to Mediate Fight End Up Beaten by 'Bang Jago'
Two teenagers in Central Jakarta were unfortunate when they attempted to mediate a fight but became victims of a ‘bang jago’ beating. A video of the assault went viral on social media, prompting police to investigate the case despite no formal police report being filed by the victims.
“Social media has been flooded with videos of people using violence or acting tough. Upon learning of this, the Jakarta Central Police District swiftly responded through social media patrols,” said AKBP Roby Heri Saputra, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Jakarta Central Police District, on Friday (29 May 2026).
Police then probed details about the victims and perpetrators, including the time and location of the incident. After identifying the victims, they encouraged them to file an official police report.
“The victims’ identities were confirmed, and we visited them to summon them to the station to file a police report,” he added.
The assault occurred on Jalan Bungur Besar Raya in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, near a petrol station in the Bungur and Pasar Senen area at approximately 3:15 AM on Sunday (24 May). Prior to attacking the victims, the perpetrators were involved in a dispute with a taxi driver.
Investigations revealed the incident involved four perpetrators, who were allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
At the scene, victims FMS and EBTW were riding a motorcycle to refuel when they witnessed a quarrel between the taxi driver and the perpetrators. They attempted to mediate the conflict.
FMS was pulled and beaten by the perpetrators. When EBTW tried to assist his friend, he too became a victim of the assault.
A petrol station attendant also attempted to intervene as two ‘bang jago’ assaulted FMS and EBTW. The victims were later detained by the perpetrators’ associates.
“According to the police report, approximately four individuals were initially in conflict with the taxi driver, and one of the victims’ friends tried to mediate but was punched by two of the four,” he explained.
Two ‘Bang Jago’ Surrender to Police
The two perpetrators surrendered to police after the video went viral on social media. Their surrender followed police persuasion efforts.
Besides intensive searches, authorities mobilised local security posts and community leaders. Through this approach, police urged respected figures in the perpetrators’ neighbourhood to encourage cooperation from the suspects.
“SS and ASA are the perpetrators in the viral video. They knew the video had gone viral and was in police custody, so they voluntarily came to Jakarta Central Police District for questioning and were subsequently arrested,” he said.
The suspects are charged under Article 262 of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning group violence (pengeroyokan). They face up to five to seven years in prison depending on the severity of injuries sustained by the victims.
Police are currently conducting investigations and awaiting the results of the visum et repertum.