JAKARTA - A black car with a red license plate became the target of an angry mob while driving on KS Tubun Street, Petamburan, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, on Monday evening, August 25, 2025.
The official car, with license plate number B 1598 TQN, was vandalized with rocks and pieces of wood. The car was badly damaged, with its windows shattered and its body dented.
According to information gathered by VOI, the car with the red license plate belonged to the Head of South Manggarai, Muhamad Sidik, also known as MS.
According to MS, the victim, the incident occurred when he was returning home from work via Tanah Abang. However, due to traffic, MS took a shortcut via S Parman Street.
"When we arrived at the Slipi roundabout on the way home, there were a lot of people at the Slipi roundabout, including schoolchildren. There were provocateurs shouting, 'This is a member of the House of Representatives' car.' So I opened the window and said, 'I'm not from the village office.'" MS said in his statement.
Unable to hear MS's explanation, the mob became even more enraged when they saw the red license plate.
"The mob became even more violent when they saw the red-plated car. The driver and I panicked. I asked the driver to keep going, but the mob continued to chase and smash the car windows," he said.
The car driver also hit a siomay cart in front of the Santika Slipi Hotel as the situation spiraled out of control, and the mob continued to chase.
The red-plated car also hit a motorcycle. Eventually, the car stopped, and the driver ordered MS to get out of the car as the mob became increasingly violent.
"I confronted the mob. I said I was from the sub-district, and the mob continued to beat me. The driver yelled for me to run, while the driver was still inside the car," he said.
In addition to MS, the driver, identified as AY, was also beaten until he finally managed to escape.
"The driver, AY, ran into a narrow alley, while I ran into the alley towards my house. The official car was destroyed, but I didn't take my cell phone, wallet, or keys," he said.
As a result of the chaos, MS lost two cell phones worth Rp 25 million. Furthermore, the official car was destroyed. The car keys and clothing were missing, suspected to have been stolen.
The Tanah Abang Metro Police are currently investigating the case.
When contacted by VOI, South Jakarta Mayor M. Anwar has not yet provided an official statement regarding the incident.
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