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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Acid Attack Victim Dies in Bekasi After Month-Long Battle

From Tempo · (14m ago) Indonesian Critical tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A victim of acid attack in Bekasi, Tri Wibowo, has died after nearly a month of medical treatment.
  • Wibowo was attacked with acid on March 30, 2026, after returning from dawn prayers, reportedly due to a long-standing grudge.
  • Police have arrested three suspects and are investigating a fourth, with the victim's labor union demanding a thorough investigation into the mastermind.

The tragic passing of Tri Wibowo, a dedicated member of the Indonesian Serikat Pekerja Seluruh Indonesia (KSPSI) Bekasi chapter, marks a somber moment for the labor community. Wibowo succumbed to his injuries after a brutal acid attack, a crime that has sent shockwaves through Bekasi.

Yes, he passed away at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.

— Andi Gani Nena WeaPresident of KSPSI, confirming Tri Wibowo's death.

This heinous act, allegedly stemming from a petty dispute over a trash can and a perceived slight, underscores the disturbing escalation of violence in seemingly ordinary disputes. The perpetrators, reportedly motivated by a grudge and paid a meager sum, ambushed Wibowo as he returned from dawn prayers. The attack, which involved multiple assailants and a corrosive substance, inflicted severe burns, ultimately leading to his death after a prolonged hospital stay.

The victim looked at the suspect with a hostile gaze, which offended the suspect.

— SumarniBekasi Metro Police Chief, explaining the motive behind the attack.

The KSPSI, through its president Andi Gani Nena Wea, has pledged full support in the legal proceedings and is demanding that the mastermind behind this cowardly act be brought to justice. This incident is not just a personal tragedy but a stark reminder of the vulnerability of activists and the need for robust protection against such violent retribution. The union's resolve to seek severe punishment for the culprits reflects a broader concern for the safety and security of its members.

With the lure of payment of Rp 9 million.

— SumarniBekasi Metro Police Chief, detailing the payment made to the assailants.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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