18 Youths Apprehended in East Jakarta for Alleged Gang Fight Preparations; Weapons and Incendiary Materials Seized

Police apprehended 18 young people in East Jakarta over the weekend, suspected of preparing for a gang fight. During the operation, officers seized items including a sickle (celurit), suspected Molotov cocktails, gasoline, and what is believed to be synthetic tobacco. Kombes Henik Maryanto, Commander of the Brimob Unit of the Metro Jaya Police, stated that the security operation was conducted through a joint patrol by the Brimob and the Precision Pioneer Team of the East Jakarta Metro Police. "In this activity to prevent security disturbances, officers seized evidence in the form of sharp weapons, suspected Molotov bombs, a bottle of gasoline, to a plastic clip containing suspected synthetic tobacco," Henik said in Jakarta, quoted from Antara on Sunday, September 13. The first group was found on Jalan Tirta, Cipinang, Pulogadung, at approximately 11:50 PM WIB. Ten young individuals were secured along with one cell phone, nine mobile phones, and four motorcycles. The patrol then proceeded to Jalan Amalia, Penggilingan, Cakung, where around 02:45 AM WIB, officers secured another eight young individuals. From this second location, police confiscated one object suspected of being a Molotov bomb, a bottle of gasoline, a plastic clip containing suspected synthetic tobacco, three mobile phones, and a motorcycle. Henik explained that the patrol was carried out to prevent street crime and security disturbances during vulnerable hours. "We also continue to strengthen synergy with the regional authorities to provide a sense of security to the community," he added. All apprehended individuals and seized evidence were handed over to the Pulogadung Police for further investigation. Police are continuing to investigate the alleged plan for fighting and the items found. Separately, Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Police, Kombes Budi Hermanto, urged parents to increase supervision of their children's activities, especially during the night and early morning hours. "We invite parents to build active communication with their children and ensure they are at home during vulnerable hours," said Budi. He also asked the public to immediately contact the 110 police service if they become aware of any planned fights or security disturbances so that officers can follow up.