Thug in Garut Threatens to Kill Police Chief and Regent After Being Admonished for Breaking Ramadan Fast

A video of a police chief grappling with a neighbourhood thug in Kabupaten Garut, West Java, went viral on social media. The incident was triggered by a man who took offence at being admonished whilst eating during the midday hours in the month of Ramadan (mokel), subsequently threatening to kill both the police chief and the regent.

The incident occurred on Friday, 13 March, in the afternoon in Kecamatan Pakenjeng, Garut. The neighbourhood thug, named Tio, also known as Tito Kobra, made threats against Kapolsek Pakenjeng Iptu Muslih Hidayat.

Muslih recounted that the incident began approximately 10 days earlier whilst he was returning from a Ramadan Safari activity and conducting a subsequent patrol around the Pakenjeng Mini Hydroelectric Power Station (PLTM). “Whilst at the PLTM, I sensed something was amiss. There were many motorcycles, but no people around. Upon investigation, I discovered the individuals below, drinking,” Muslih explained.

To the young men found breaking their fast, Muslih imposed push-up penalties based on a decree from the Garut Regent regarding advisories during Ramadan. However, on Friday, 13 March, Tito Kobra unexpectedly approached Muslih, who was preparing to distribute iftar meals to a youth community in Pakenjeng.

Tito felt offended by Muslih’s earlier raid, during which Tito and his associates had been caught eating during daylight hours. Muslih subsequently explained his duties and responsibilities as a police officer, but Tito refused to accept this.

Initially exercising restraint, Muslih became emotionally provoked when Tito threatened to kill both him and the Pakenjeng Regent. Muslih then became angry and immediately restrained Tito with the intention of bringing him to the police station. However, Tito resisted, resulting in a physical altercation.

“When it happened, he said… if that is the case, I will kill the Regent and the Police Chief,” Muslih recounted, mimicking Tito’s words.

Tito Kobra eventually surrendered. Upon a search, Tito Kobra was found carrying a small machete. Muslih decided not to file a formal report to prosecute Tito legally. Muslih chose to show magnanimity regarding the incident.