Two Banten Brimob Officers Attacked by 11 Debt Collectors in Serang

An incident involving a machete attack by debt collectors, locally known as ‘mata elang’ (matel), occurred in Serang, Banten. The victims of the incident were two members of the Banten Regional Police’s Brimob unit.

Banten Regional Police Head of Public Relations, Kombes Maruli Hutapea, stated that the attack took place on Tuesday (2/6) night. Prior to the incident, an altercation had broken out between the debt collectors and the two Brimob officers.

“They had been lurking since the afternoon. Then, our personnel engaged in an argument, after which the debt collectors’ colleagues arrived, bringing their number to 11, and proceeded to assault and slash our Satbrimob personnel,” Maruli said on Wednesday (3/6/2026).

He noted that the two Brimob officers sustained slashing wounds from sharp weapons and both required medical treatment following the incident.

“The Brimob victims suffered slash wounds to their right hands and injuries to the head area,” he added.

The perpetrators subsequently fled, taking an Avanza car previously used by the Brimob officers, as well as a Fortuner vehicle. Colleagues of the victimised officers arrived at the scene shortly after.

“The victims retreated, and their colleagues arrived. Members of the public who witnessed the attack also assisted in the pursuit,” said Maruli.

Following the chase, two perpetrators were apprehended near the Serang Barat Toll Gate, where they were initially mobbed by an angry crowd.

“A spontaneous struggle ensued, and the public shouted as they joined the pursuit. The community was likely incensed at the time,” Maruli remarked.

“We successfully secured the individuals as they attempted to flee. They were pursued and detained,” he continued.

He mentioned that the two suspects have been taken to the Banten Regional Police for further interrogation. Both suspects sustained injuries after being targeted by the mob.

“Two individuals have been secured and are currently part of the ongoing investigation. Those two are being held at the Banten Regional Police’s General Criminal Investigation Directorate,” Maruli concluded.