Two Curug, Tangerang Residents Assaulted After Confronting Debt Collectors

The presence of rogue debt collectors, popularly known as ‘mata elang’ (matel), has once again stirred unrest in the Tangerang Regency, Banten. This time, their actions resulted in physical violence against residents who attempted to reprimand them for their activities in a public space. The assault occurred on Jalan PLP Curug, next to the Vihara Alley, Curug Kulon Urban Village, Curug District, Tangerang Regency, Banten, on Tuesday (9/6) afternoon. Two residents, RM (32) and DS (30), fell victim to the brutality of five matel individuals and sustained serious injuries. According to information gathered, the incident began when RM and DS received complaints from local residents about the prevalence of matel individuals frequently loitering in their neighbourhood. Their presence was deemed to disrupt the comfort and public order of the surrounding community. Intending to follow up on these complaints, RM and DS visited the location to conduct a check. They aimed to persuasively convey the residents’ objections so that the individuals would no longer use the area as a vehicle monitoring spot. However, the polite reprimand was met with an aggressive response. The five matel individuals at the location took offence and immediately assaulted both victims. ‘We were both kicked and beaten with helmets,’ RM stated on Wednesday (10/6). As a result of the violence, RM and DS suffered bruises on several parts of their bodies. Both have reported the incident to the Curug Police Sector for legal processing. The brutal act also sparked sympathy from other residents who came to the police station to provide moral support to the victims. Residents hope the police will take swift and firm action against the perpetrators of the assault and regulate the presence of debt collectors who frequently act outside legal procedures in motor vehicle repossession efforts. Under Indonesian law, vehicle repossession by financing companies (leasing) cannot be carried out arbitrarily on public roads. Based on a Constitutional Court (MK) ruling, the execution of fiduciary collateral must follow legal procedures. Acts of violence or seizure on the road by debt collectors can be subject to criminal charges, including Article 170 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on assault or Article 365 of the Criminal Code on violent theft.