Two Traffic Police Officers Slashed by Unknown Assailant with Samurai Sword in Jambi; Council Says Attacks on Officers Must Not Be Tolerated

Two members of the Jambi City Police Traffic Unit were attacked by an unknown assailant armed with a sharp weapon while managing traffic in the Angso Duo Market area of Jambi City recently, leaving one officer injured. Jambi Regional Police Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Erlan Munaji, stated that the incident occurred around 6.45 a.m. Western Indonesia Time at the Angso Duo intersection, in front of the T-One Hotel on Jalan Sultan Thaha, Jambi City. “Officers are currently still in the field pursuing the perpetrator,” Erlan said. According to witness accounts at the scene, the assailant arrived on foot from the direction of Gentala Arasy heading towards Angso Duo Market. The perpetrator was not wearing sandals and was carrying a long samurai sword and two knives. “The perpetrator walked from below without sandals, carrying a long samurai sword and two knives,” said Ansori, a trader near the scene. Upon reaching the intersection, the assailant allegedly immediately chased the two traffic officers who were directing traffic. One officer was then struck by the sharp weapon. “I saw the perpetrator suddenly attack the two police officers, then flee towards the market parking area. One officer was slashed by a long sharp weapon,” Ansori said. In the incident, Brigadier S.T. suffered a wound to his right palm while trying to evade the attack. Meanwhile, Brigadier B.T. sustained abrasions on his left knee after falling while being chased by the assailant. Both victims are currently receiving treatment at Bhayangkara Hospital in Jambi. After the attack, the perpetrator fled on a motorcycle. The identity and motive of the assailant remain under investigation. Police have processed the crime scene, taken statements from several witnesses, and are conducting a pursuit based on descriptions obtained from residents. The incident caused traffic congestion around Angso Duo Market and panicked traders. The area is one of the busiest traffic points during the morning rush hour for work and school.