Chicken Theft Suspect Beaten to Death by Mob; Social Ministry Provides Psychosocial Support to Family

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has announced that it will provide psychosocial support to the child and family of a suspect in a chicken theft who was beaten to death by a mob in Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali. Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), stated at a press conference, "We will provide assistance based on the results of the assessment." A team from the Ministry of Social Affairs has visited the bereaved family and attempted to engage in dialogue. However, the family is still in deep mourning and has not been able to speak extensively. Gus Ipul confirmed that the family's household situation is economically difficult (desil dua) and has offered the deceased suspect's child an opportunity to attend a "School of the People (Sekolah Rakyat)" with a scholarship, as the child meets the admission criteria. The incident began early Friday morning, July 24th, when the suspect was allegedly caught stealing chickens belonging to residents. There has been a recent spate of chicken thefts in the area, leading to accumulated frustration among residents. Enraged, the residents collectively beat the suspect to death at the scene. They also burned the motorcycle the suspect was riding. By the time the police arrived, it was too late. Subsequent police investigations revealed that the motorcycle burned by the mob is likely a vehicle that was stolen in 2018. Tabanan Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the mob violence: MJ, WS, KB, ML, and ND. However, their specific roles have not yet been disclosed. The Ministry of Social Affairs intends to continue providing necessary support through dialogue after allowing the family time to grieve.