Wife of Bahar bin Smith assault victim: Husband beaten and mobbed, inhumane

Tangerang Selatan, Kompas.com - The victim of Bahar bin Smith’s assault, Rida, has rejected resolving the case via restorative justice (RJ). The victim’s wife, Fitri Yulita (40), says she is strongly opposed to the matter being settled only through a peaceful route. Her husband has been beaten, his mobile phone seized, and he was mobbed by several people.

‘My husband was beaten, his phone seized, then he was set upon by a mob. That is no light matter. It feels inhumane,’ Fitri told investigators at the Metro Tangerang City Police on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. ‘I hope the police can be fair and truly enforce the law without discrimination. If the process is proceeding, then carry it out.’

She said that the suspects, including Bahar bin Smith, had visited the home to apologise. The apology was accepted by Rida and his wife, but they asked that the legal process still proceed.

‘Forgiving as a human may be possible. But for the legal process, please continue. We ask that you remain cooperative and proceed with the process,’ she said.

When visiting the victim, Fitri said Bahar bin Smith had offered to cover medical costs. However, to date there has been no promised medical assistance and all treatment costs are being borne by the family themselves. ‘We are paying for the medical treatment ourselves, not covered by BPJS. It has already cost tens of millions because of treatment at two hospitals,’ she said. This has left her and her husband often in debt to pay for treatment after the assault and mob attack. ‘The impact on our family has been enormous. My husband lost his job, daily expenses are tight. I even had to borrow money,’ she said.

Therefore, Fitri asked investigators to consider detaining the accused and to ensure the legal process is conducted according to the rules. ‘We only ask that this process be fair and thorough,’ she said.