Thousands of martial artists clash with police over debt collector incident in Surabaya

Tensions flared in Surabaya, Indonesia, as thousands of members from the PSHT martial arts group marched towards a debt collector's office. The group, clad in black attire, attempted to reach the office located on Jalan Teuku Umar but were met by a blockade of police and military personnel at the Jalan RA Kartini intersection. This confrontation led to clashes, with protesters throwing bottles, stones, and wood at the authorities, resulting in an injury to one TNI (Indonesian Army) officer.

The demonstration was a response to an alleged stabbing of a PSHT member by a debt collector. Earlier, the group had gathered at the Surabaya Police Headquarters, where an orator condemned the violence, describing the debt collectors' actions as "premanisme" (thuggery) disguised as debt collection. The orator highlighted that their member, a parking attendant, was attacked without provocation.

The PSHT members demanded swift action from the police, calling for the arrest and punishment of those responsible for the stabbing. They expressed their trust in the justice system to deliver a fair verdict. While some protesters engaged in mediation with the police at the headquarters, others remained outside, awaiting developments.

Authorities maintained a strong presence around the debt collector's office, anticipating the large-scale protest. The incident underscores the volatile situation arising from disputes between martial arts groups and debt collection agencies in the region.