Viral Video Shows Youths Sweeping Waria in Rangkasbitung Town Square

A group of young men carried out a sweep of transgender women (waria) in the town square of Rangkasbitung, Lebak, Banten. A video of the sweep has gone viral on social media.

In the viral footage, a number of youths can be seen approaching a transgender woman who was at the location. One of the young men is seen kicking a mobile phone held by the transgender woman, an action that then sparked tension.

“Come on then, come on then,” a youth says in the video.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Rangkasbitung Police, Ipda Adriel Timothy Sebastian, confirmed the incident. He said it took place on Sunday (16/8) at around 2.00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time.

Adriel said the transgender woman filed a report with Rangkasbitung Police. He said police investigators are looking into the case.

“It is under investigation; after that we will look for the perpetrators,” Adriel said on Tuesday (11/8/2026).

Based on the report, the transgender woman said she was offended by shouts of ‘boti’ directed at her by those chasing her.

“The victim’s account in the first report is that some of the youths shouted ‘boti’ at her, after which the transgender woman approached them to ask what they meant and who it was aimed at. An argument then broke out, in line with the chronology that has been circulating,” he said.

Adriel could not yet confirm the motive in the case. Police are still gathering witness statements.

“We cannot speculate before it moves to a full investigation. That is why we are still looking for witnesses,” he concluded.