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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Elections & Politics

Indonesia's presidential chief condemns Bali mob killing of chicken thief

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Indonesia's Chief of Presidential Staff, Dudung Abdurachman, condemned a mob killing of a chicken thief in Bali.
  • He stressed that no one should be subjected to violence outside the legal process, regardless of alleged crimes.
  • Dudung urged police to strengthen public education on vigilantism and called for community leaders to promote peaceful conflict resolution.

Indonesia's Chief of Presidential Staff, General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman, has strongly condemned a mob killing of a man accused of stealing chickens in Bali, calling it a tragedy that demands collective attention. The incident, which occurred in Tabanan Regency, resulted in the death of the suspect after being beaten by a crowd. Dudung emphasized that alleged criminal acts do not strip individuals of their right to a fair legal process.

I, as the Chief of Presidential Staff, express my deep concern and condolences, and at the same time condemn the act of violence that resulted in the loss of a life.

— Dudung AbdurachmanExpressing condemnation and sorrow over the mob killing.

"I, as the Chief of Presidential Staff, express my deep concern and condolences, and at the same time condemn the act of violence that resulted in the loss of a life," Dudung stated. He reiterated that no action can justify taking a life outside the established legal framework, asserting that all alleged offenses must be processed according to due legal mechanisms. He urged law enforcement to uphold the principle that all citizens are equal before the law.

Dudung called upon the police to enhance public education regarding the dangers and legal consequences of vigilantism, alongside ongoing preventive measures. He also appealed to religious, traditional, and community leaders to actively foster a culture of peace and non-violent conflict resolution. The Chief of Presidential Staff further requested that law enforcement agencies thoroughly investigate the case with professionalism, transparency, and fairness to ensure legal certainty for all parties involved.

The alleged criminal acts committed by a person do not negate their right to a fair legal process.

— Dudung AbdurachmanAsserting the right to due process regardless of alleged crimes.

The incident involved a man, identified by the initials KD, who died on Friday, July 24, 2026, after allegedly being assaulted by a mob. The Tabanan Police are currently investigating both the alleged theft and the subsequent mob violence, including conducting crime scene investigations. This case highlights ongoing concerns about mob justice in parts of Indonesia.

Our country is a country of law. All citizens are the same and equal before the law. Therefore, let us return to that principle.

— Dudung AbdurachmanEmphasizing the importance of the rule of law in Indonesia.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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