Two Suspects in Murder of Joxzin Brigade Member in Bantul Face Death Penalty
Two suspects in the murder case of Kitin Yoga Tama Rustamaji (KYR), a member of the Joxzin civil society organisation, face the death penalty, life imprisonment, or a maximum of 20 years imprisonment.
The first suspect, identified as SS alias Cobro (29), acted as the executor. The second suspect, identified as FS (22), played a role in transporting SS. Both are residents of Kapanewon Gamping, Sleman.
“FS was designated as a suspect yesterday (Tuesday),” said Bantul Police Chief AKBP Bayu Puji Hariyanto to journalists at Bantul Police Station on Wednesday (11/3/2026).
Both FS and SS are currently detained at Bantul Police Station and undergoing further questioning.
“We have detained both suspects,” he stated.
For his actions, SS is charged under Article 459 subsidiary to Article 458 paragraph 1 of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, relating to premeditated murder—specifically the unlawful taking of another person’s life with prior planning, or alternatively simple homicide for the unlawful taking of life.
FS is charged under Article 459 subsidiary to Article 458 paragraph 1 in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.
“Both face the death penalty, life imprisonment, or a maximum of 20 years imprisonment,” Bayu stated firmly.
Drinking Session Gone Wrong
Police previously revealed that the perpetrator had attended an alcoholic drinking party at the victim’s home in Kaliurang, Argomulyo, Sedayu, Bantul. The killer, SS alias Cobro (29), was a close friend of the victim.
“SS, FS, and the victim, along with five others—a total of eight people—gathered at KYR’s home from 20:00 on 24 February until Wednesday 25 February at 04:00. There they consumed alcohol,” said Bantul Police Chief AKBP Bayu Puji Hariyanto at Bantul Police Station on Wednesday (11/3/2026).
Bayu stated that during the drinking session, a conversation occurred that was perceived as offensive to Cobro.
“The eight people gathered and there were conversations considered hurtful to SS, namely ‘if you think you’re so pious, don’t be here’ (translated from Javanese),” he explained.
Feeling offended, Cobro then invited FS to leave the victim’s house on Wednesday around 04:00. It transpired that Cobro invited FS to retrieve a machete from his house in Gamping, Sleman.
“Then at 05:00, SS returned to KYR’s house through the back door and found KYR sleeping alongside his child and wife,” Bayu explained.
The other acquaintances who had previously gathered at the victim’s house had already returned home.
“Then SS hacked three times: the first blow struck the left side of the face, the second cut hit the abdomen and also struck KYR’s wife’s fingers, and the third blow struck KYR’s right thigh, resulting in KYR’s death,” Bayu revealed.
Bayu added that Cobro committed the act using a 53-centimetre machete with a wooden handle.
“The hacker was SS, and he had a close relationship with KYR—friendship and a financial debt of 400,000 rupiah, though that had been settled,” he explained.
Bayu also noted that the victim, KYR, had previous involvement with the law.
“The victim is a repeat offender, whilst the perpetrator is not,” he concluded.
The murder occurred on Wednesday (25 February) around 05:30. At that time, the victim’s wife heard the back door of her house open. A perpetrator wearing a face covering suddenly swung a machete at the sleeping victim.
The victim’s wife managed to parry the machete swing three times, sustaining injuries to three of her fingers. The victim’s five-year-old child sustained no injuries.