24 Junior High School Students Arrested When Suspected Of Being In A Sarong War, Parents Given Warning

The students who were detained by the Bantul Police and the ranks from the results of the Ramadan patrol. (Photo via ANTARA/Humas Polres Bantul)

A total of 24 teenagers were arrested by the Bantul Police, DI Yogyakarta on Friday, March 31, evening. They are suspected of carrying out a sarong war.

All teenagers who are students of one of the State Junior High Schools in Dlingo District, Bantul, were caught when the Bantul Police and members of the Dlingo Police were actively patrolling Ramadan.

"A group of students who were hanging out in the north of SMP Negeri 1 Dlingo and on Jalan Patuk-Dlingo have been arrested. The number that was secured was 24 teenagers or students," said Head of Public Relations of the Bantul Police, Iptu I Nengah Jeffry Prana Widnyana, as reported by Antara, Saturday, April 1.

According to him, the teenagers were allowed to go home after being recorded and briefed. Meanwhile, the motorbike used by the teenagers was transported and confiscated by officers to provide a deterrent effect.

"In addition, they are clearly not old enough to get a driving license. A total of 13 motorcycles and 13 sarongs were secured by the police," he said.

Jeffry Prana said the dozens of motorbikes were confiscated because the motorists or owners were suspected of being involved in a sarong war that endangered other motorists and disturbed the public in the month of Ramadan.

"Not a ticket, but a confiscation of vehicles. Vehicles can be retrieved again after Eid, according to the date stated in the letter," he said.

According to him, although parents or guardians asked for motorbikes not to be confiscated, the Bantul Police Chief's policy was at the same time to warn parents who should care about their children, especially about driving safety.

He said the step that had been taken was to bring the parents of each student to be given an appeal to always participate in maintaining and supervising their children.

"To present a communication forum for the Dlingo sub-district leadership to help provide advice and direction to teenagers. Calling the school for coordination and coaching. Ordering Bhabinkamtibmas to visit the homes of the students who were secured," he said.

During this month of Ramadan, he added, the Bantul Police and the ranks of the police will continue to patrol and do not hesitate to take action against criminals so that people feel comfortable while fasting.