Viral Narrative of Man in West Jakarta Becomes a Mugging Victim, Apparently Triggered by Romance

Police have rejected a viral social media narrative claiming that a man was the victim of a mugging in Tomang Utara, Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta. In the circulating video, the man is shown battered, sitting on a plastic chair and is described as a mugging victim. Public Relations Head of the West Jakarta Metro Police, AKP Wisnu Wirawan, said that based on the inquiry, the incident was not a mugging but was triggered by a romance issue. ‘Not mugging, it’s a romance story,’ Wisnu said when contacted on Thursday (21 May). Wisnu explained that the incident occurred on Wednesday (20 May) around 10:00 p.m. local time, starting when the victim was sleeping in his rented room. Two men then arrived at the rented room. ‘Two men, suspected perpetrators, came to the victim’s rented room. While the victim was sleeping, the perpetrators immediately swung a sharp weapon at him, resulting in injuries,’ he said. Wisnu added that the case is currently being handled by the Grogol Petamburan Police Sector. He said authorities are still examining the romance motive that triggered the incident. Furthermore, Wisnu urged the public not to easily believe the narratives circulating on social media. He also asked people to be prudent in using social media. ‘Let us be more prudent in how we engage with and view social media. This will help provide safety and peace for residents. Please verify the truth before sharing,’ he concluded.