Police Arrest 10 Teenagers before Brawl in Tangerang; Confiscate Sharp Weapons, Molotov Cocktails

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Police arrested 10 teenagers who were suspected of planning to engage in a fight or tawuran in the Cibodas area of Tangerang City, in the early hours of Sunday, January 21. The arrest was made by the patrol team of Tangerang Metro Police, together with the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Jatiuwung Police, members of the Community Security and Order Group, and a number of local residents.

From the teenagers, the police confiscated a number of sharp weapons, firecrackers and Molotov cocktails which were suspected to be used for brawls. Tangerang City Police Chief Sr. Comr. Zain Dwi Nugroho said on Monday, January 22.

The arrest was made following the investigation of the police's cyber patrol on a number of social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok. They discovered that an account with the holder @originale702 was planning to have a brawl. The police then found a group of youth groups in Cibodas gathering in front of the Futsal Field at Jalan Mangga Raya, Cibodasari Village.

When the officers approached them, they initially did not admit that they were planning a brawl. But the police suspected their behavior and decided to sweep the area for weapons.

"We found weapons, firecrackers and Molotov cocktails," said Zain, saying the teenagers hid the weapons under the carpet.

The weapons found include two sickles, a katana sword, two firecrackers, and cocktail bombs made from bottles and gasoline. The police immediately arrested the 10 teenagers and took them and their motorcycles to the Jatiuwung Police Station for inspection and data collection.

"These kids are still in their teens. Right now we are examining them with help from the Women's and Children's Services Unit, the Children's Correctional Center, and the Integrated Services Center for the Protection of Women and Children, (P2TP2A)," Zain said.

The police have also called in their parents and contacted their schools.

JONIANSYAH HARDJONO

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