Palembang, KOTABARI.COM – A tragic incident unfolded at the Benteng Kuto Besak (BKB) tourist site in Palembang, as two individuals hailing from Lampung, Agus Santoso and Setiawan, who work as a driver and conductor, fell victim to an act of violence. They were attacked by a group of individuals while escorting a group of female attendees from a religious gathering to BKB on Friday (11/3/2023) at approximately 6:00 PM local time.
The sequence of events commenced as Agus and Setiawan were waiting inside the bus for the female attendees. Agus took some photographs at the tourist location, and when he attempted to store a banner, a man claiming to be a parking attendant approached him. The man requested a cigarette but later demanded money when cigarettes were not provided.
Agus decided to give two cigarettes, but tensions escalated when another man arrived, requesting a cigarette. Agus refused due to only having two cigarettes left. This led to a verbal altercation, which ultimately resulted in Agus and Setiawan being kicked and assaulted by the perpetrators.
Agus sustained facial injuries, bruises on his left and right eyes, neck abrasions, and neck pain. Agus’s child, who was also present, became involved in the scuffle and suffered a torn lip. Shortly thereafter, another group of assailants joined in the attack.
Not only did they physically assault both victims, but they also seized Agus’s wallet containing Rp 723,000 in cash and a mobile phone. Agus incurred losses amounting to Rp 1.6 million.
Both victims reported the incident to the Palembang City Police on Saturday (11/4/2023), with the hope that the culprits will be apprehended and held accountable for their actions. The victims’ report has been received by the Palembang City Police duty officers, and it will soon be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Unit (Sat Reskrim) for further investigation.
The police are actively working to identify the perpetrators and take appropriate legal action in response to this act of violence. We hope that the culprits are swiftly apprehended and made to answer for their actions that have caused harm to Agus and Setiawan.