8 Teenagers Aged 15-17 Years Want to Fight a Convoy Carrying Sajam Arrested in Banjarmasin

The Joint Team during the arrest of eight children involved in a convoy of sharp-edged weapons and were about to fight in Banjarmasin, some time ago. (ANTARA/HO-Polresta Banjarmasin)

JAKARTA - The police arrested eight teenagers in a convoy armed with sharp weapons (sajam) allegedly intending to fight after their actions went viral on social media (medsos) and disturbed the community.

This action was taken after the police traced the activities of the perpetrators who were known to use social media to find other groups to be invited to fight, thus triggering the potential for security disturbances in public spaces.

Acting Head of the Banjarmasin Police, Kombes Pol Timbul RK Siregar, said the disclosure of the case began with a cyber patrol carried out by his ranks against widely circulated content.

"Their modus is to find groups who want to be invited to fight through social media," he said at a press conference at the Banjarmasin Police Headquarters, Wednesday, quoted by Antara.

He said the arrests were carried out by the Banjarmasin Police along with the East Banjarmasin Police with the help of the Kalsel Tiger Team in a number of locations, including securing the perpetrators at their respective homes.

Those arrested, including those aged between 15 and 17 years old, showed the dominant involvement of minors in street violence.

The police also seized four sharp weapons, including one mandau blade, which were allegedly to be used in the planned brawl through communication on social media.

According to Timbul, his party is still developing the case to uncover the possibility of other groups involved in the digital-based youth brawl network.

In addition, he emphasized the importance of the role of the family in supervising children's activities to prevent involvement in criminal acts.

The role of parents is very important to supervise children when they want to go out at night and must be asked where they are going.

In addition, the police increased patrols at a number of vulnerable points to prevent similar incidents from being repeated and to maintain the stability of the security environment.

This step by the Banjarmasin Police is part of an effort to respond to a national phenomenon related to the prevalence of juvenile fights triggered by social media, so that it requires coordinated handling from various parties.