Vigilante Violence Spreads in Indonesia: Deaths and Beatings Reported

A wave of vigilante violence has swept across Indonesia in recent weeks, with multiple incidents of severe beatings and even deaths occurring in different regions. In Bali, a man identified as KD died after being beaten by locals on suspicion of stealing fighting chickens. Separately, in Morowali, Sulawesi Tengah, a man named S was beaten to death by a mob for allegedly attempting to steal a motorcycle.

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But it looks like a swinging arm to the back of the head, as well, which looked quite unprovoked.

Similar incidents have been reported in other areas, including Lamongan, East Java, where two individuals were assaulted for allegedly stealing scrap metal. One of the victims reported being threatened with a firearm and doused with saltwater. These events highlight a disturbing trend of "main hakim sendiri" or taking the law into one's own hands.

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Then there was the second one with the coward's punch behind, which is really shocking vision and shocking for everyone involved.

Sociologist Soeprapto of Gadjah Mada University attributes these vigilantee actions to a "spontaneous" reaction driven by several factors. He points to a low level of emotional control within the community, leading to uncontrolled outbursts of violence. Additionally, the presence of large crowds emboldens individuals to disregard legal risks, creating a mob mentality where they feel empowered to act. Soeprapto also suggests a potential indicator of low public intelligence, leading to irrational decision-making without considering the consequences.

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You are not immune on the sporting field.

While some, like criminologist Reza Indragiri from the University of Indonesia, suggest that vigilante actions can signal a lack of trust in law enforcement, Soeprapto argues that the recent cases are primarily spontaneous. He believes that when people act in large groups, their rational thinking diminishes, and they fail to consider the repercussions of their violent actions against others. The incidents also raise questions about the effectiveness and reach of legal authorities in deterring such mob justice.

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We understand there are normal contacts in the spirit of play, but if it is outside of play and a deliberate targeted attack, then it is an assault.