Motorcycle Gang Member Who Makes Troubles in Banyumas Arrested by Police, 3 People Positive Of Benzodiazepines

PURWOKERTO - The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Banyumas City Police, Central Java, has uncovered a vandalism case involving a motorcycle gang.

"The disclosure of this case started from information from residents who stated that on Saturday (19/3) there was a group of motorcycle gangs who carried out anarchic actions by carrying sharp weapons, setting off firecrackers, and damaging motorcycles and walls belonging to residents", said the Banyumas Police Chief, Commissioner Edy Suranta Sitepu, was reported by Antara, Monday, March 21.

Therefore, he said, the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Banyumas City Police officers carried out further investigations by digging up information from the public and recording surveillance cameras (CCTV).

Video surveillance camera footage of the anarchic action that allegedly occurred in the Sawangan area, Kedungwuluh Village, West Purwokerto District was also circulated on social media.

After an investigation, the Criminal Investigation Unit officers finally received instructions that the anarchy or vandalism was allegedly carried out by a group of people with the names "Golden Stress Purwokerto" and "Junior Liberstan" from Brebes Regency.

"Furthermore, on Sunday, March 20, Criminal Investigation Unit officers arrested nine perpetrators from the 'Golden Stress Purwokerto' group. Six people were secured in their respective homes, while three other people were arrested while they were in a hotel in Purwokerto", said the Police Chief.

The police chief mentioned the initials of the nine perpetrators, namely BK (18), ES (18), HSHP (20), MSK (17), DJY (17), RAAF (15), RR (16), GS (17), and MAF. (15), all residents of Banyumas Regency.

Based on the results of the investigation, he said, the anarchic action began with an invitation from a motorcycle gang from Brebes "Junior Libertan" who asked the "Golden Stress Purwokerto" group to have a brawl with residents of Sawangan, Kedungwuluh Village.

The action was by using sharp weapons such as sickles, damaging goods, and setting off firecrackers.

"The evidence that was successfully secured included 3 motorcycles, metal plates, 3 sickles, 1 cellphone, and several helmets", said the Chief of Police.

According to him, his party has also carried out antigen tests on the perpetrators and all of them were negative from COVID-19 transmission.

However, when the drug tests were carried out, three of them were positive for Benzodiazepines (BZO).

"We will develop where they get the drugs from", he said.

It was also stated that the three adult perpetrators would be charged with Article 170 of the Criminal Code with a maximum penalty of 5 years and 6 months in prison and Article 2 of Law No. 12 of 1951 with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

For the perpetrators who are still children, he said his party would submit them to the Purwokerto Penitentiary for guidance because they are also still students.

He appealed to parents in particular and schools to provide positive activities and facilities so that children do not seek negative activities such as joining motorcycle gangs and taking drugs.

In addition, he said, parents are urged to pay more attention to their children's interactions so that they do not take unlawful actions.

"For motorcycle gangs in the Banyumas Regency area, it's better to disband. Don't disturb the community and don't make a fuss, the Banyumas Police will take firm action if motorcycle gangs disturb the community and commit criminal acts", said the Chief of Police.