Village Head in Bima Reveals Reason for Removing Shirt and Challenging Student to Duel During Protest

Budiman, Village Head of Wadu Kopa, Soromandi District, Bima Regency, Nusa Tenggara Barat Province, removed his shirt and challenged a student demonstrator to a fight during a protest action. Budiman responded publicly to explain his actions.

Budiman stated that the students who staged the protest were received well by the Wadu Kopa Village Government. They were even permitted to enter the office to listen to explanations regarding the development of the Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDes) outlet.

“However, there was one protester (student) who committed anarchistic acts. That is why I was upset and challenged him to a fight,” Budiman told detikBali on Monday (9 March 2026).

Budiman explained that students frequently engage in anarchistic behaviour during protests. For example, during a demonstration last month, they damaged facilities at the Wadu Kopa Village Government office, leading officials to report the matter to police for legal proceedings.

“During last month’s protest, they agreed not to damage public facilities and the village office again. This agreement also formed the basis for us withdrawing the report of office damage at Bima Police Station,” he said.

Budiman stressed that as village head, he has never prevented residents or students from voicing criticism or staging peaceful demonstrations. However, this must be done respectfully and without anarchistic behaviour or damage to public facilities.

“As village head, I have never prevented residents and students from expressing their aspirations publicly. As long as they do not act anarchistically or damage public facilities,” he emphasised.

A video of Budiman challenging students to fight during the protest had previously gone viral on social media. In the recording, Budiman was seen removing his shirt and speaking with emotional language.

The incident occurred when students staged a demonstration in front of the Wadu Kopa Village Government office on Monday (9 March 2026). The action related to allegations of embezzlement of BUMDes funds.

“The incident happened this morning when we staged a protest action in front of the Wadu Kopa Village Government office,” said the protest coordinator, Izul.