Village Head in Bima Strips Off Shirt to Challenge Students to Fight
A video of Budiman, the Village Head (Kades) of Wadu Kopa, Soromandi District, Bima Regency, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB), removing his official shirt and challenging students to fight during a demonstration has gone viral on social media. In the recorded footage, Budiman is shown stripping off his khaki uniform whilst making emotionally charged remarks towards the protesters.
The incident occurred when students staged a demonstration outside the Wadu Kopa Village Office on Monday 9 March 2026. The protest was related to allegations of embezzlement of funds from the Village Business Entity (BUMDes).
“The incident happened this morning when we held the demonstration in front of the Village Government Office (Pemdes) of Wadu Kopa,” said action coordinator Izul to detikBali on Monday 9 March 2026.
Demonstration Over Alleged BUMDes Funds
Izul explained that the demonstration initially proceeded normally, with students taking turns delivering speeches regarding the alleged embezzlement of BUMDes Wadu Kopa funds. However, the situation escalated when Budiman emerged from the village office and approached the protesters.
According to Izul, tensions rose when Budiman made provocative remarks towards the students. “The village head also choked one of our colleagues because he did not accept being protested regarding the alleged embezzlement of BUMDes funds,” he stated.
Students Report Third Demonstration
Izul noted this was not the first time students had staged such a protest. He stated that students had already held three demonstrations with similar demands, questioning the allegedly irregular management of BUMDes Wadu Kopa funds, which amount to tens of millions of rupiah.
“The previous demonstration went smoothly. The village head and the Wadu Kopa Village Officials were also willing to return the BUMDes funds that had been borrowed,” he said.
However, according to Izul, the return of these funds appeared questionable. Additionally, BUMDes Wadu Kopa operations have reportedly not proceeded according to the agreement. In 2025, the BUMDes had received an additional 50 million rupiah in funding for shop development.
“Because of these irregularities, we held another demonstration today. However, the village head instead displayed an arrogant attitude, inviting students to fight and removing his shirt,” he explained.
Video of Village Head Removing Shirt Goes Viral
In the video obtained by detikBali, Budiman initially runs towards the group of protesting students. Several individuals then attempt to restrain him.
Shortly thereafter, Budiman removes his khaki uniform and challenges the students to a duel. In the video, Budiman is also seen pointing towards the students while stating that the protesters are being disrespectful and that the money in question does not belong to the students’ parents.
Until now, Budiman has not provided an explanation regarding the incident. When contacted by detikBali, he did not respond.
Village Head Responds
Budiman eventually commented on his action of removing his shirt and challenging students to a fight during the demonstration.
Budiman claimed that the students holding the demonstration were actually welcomed by the Wadu Kopa Village Government. They were even permitted to enter the office to hear an explanation regarding the development of the BUMDes retail outlet.
“However, one of the protesters (a student) engaged in anarchistic actions. That is why I was upset and challenged him to fight,” Budiman told detikBali on Monday 9 March 2026.
Reference to Previous Demonstrations
Budiman explained that students frequently engaged in anarchistic actions during demonstrations. He cited a demonstration last month that allegedly resulted in damage to facilities at the Wadu Kopa Village Government Office.
The matter was even reported to police authorities for legal processing.
“During the demonstration last month, they agreed not to damage public facilities and the village office again. This agreement was also the basis for us withdrawing the report of damage to the village office at Bima Police,” he said.
Budiman emphasised that he had never prohibited residents or students from expressing criticism, including through demonstrations. However, he stressed that aspirations should be conveyed respectfully and not anarchistically in a manner that damages public facilities.
“As village head, I have never prohibited residents and students from expressing their aspirations in public. As long as it is not anarchistic and does not damage public facilities,” he stated firmly.