The Facts Behind the Vandalised Fortuner in Central Jakarta

A video circulating on social media shows a crowd surrounding and pelting a Toyota Fortuner with stones in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, resulting in broken windows and dented bodywork. Police have intervened to investigate the incident.

According to the Chief of Tanah Abang Police, AKBP Dhimas Prasetyo, the incident occurred on Saturday, 6 June, at approximately 4:30 PM in Kebon Kacang. Operational personnel received a report via the 110 call centre regarding the disturbance. Upon investigation, police found the vehicle heavily damaged.

The motive behind the mob attack was traced back to a dispute between the Fortuner driver and motorcyclists in the Tebet area of South Jakarta. The conflict reportedly began when the Fortuner driver repeatedly honked his horn because he felt his path was being obstructed. The driver then allegedly drove close to the motorcyclists and verbally abused them.

In response, two motorcyclists pursued and confronted the driver. The situation escalated when the motorcyclists intentionally collided with the Fortuner while shouting ‘hit-and-run’ (tabrak lari), which incited the crowd to chase and attack the vehicle. The driver attempted to flee towards Tanah Abang but was eventually intercepted by the mob, resulting in further damage to the car and head injuries to the driver.

Police have secured the driver, though AKBP Dhimas noted that the individual was uncooperative, appearing disoriented and highly emotional during questioning. The driver refused to file an official police report or undergo medical examination for his injuries. The driver’s parents eventually arrived to collect him and arranged for a tow truck to transport the damaged vehicle to a repair shop in Bekasi.