Grandpa's Beating Case Accused Of Stealing Cars, Signs That People Are Easily Inflamed By Emotions

University of Indonesia (UI) criminologist Adrianus Meliala/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - The incident of beating WH, an 89-year-old grandfather who died after being beaten by a mob for allegedly stealing a car in the Pulogadung area, made the family disapprove. Because, they think the victim is not as alleged.

The WH family's claim is strengthened by a statement by the Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the East Jakarta Police AKBP Ahsanul Muqaffi who said that the victim (WH) was not a car thief because the vehicle, a Toyota Rush B 1859 SYL, was registered in the victim's name.

Professor of Criminology at the University of Indonesia, Adrianus Meliala, assessed that the events that occurred in the East Jakarta area in the study of criminology could be called victimology.

In addition, this incident is also a social phenomenon of people's lack of understanding about the applicable legal rules.

"When they cause victims, the behavior of the masses is included in criminology, especially victimology. However, as a collective behavior, this phenomenon becomes the observation of social psychology," said Adrianus when contacted by VOI, Monday, January 24.

Adrianus regretted the action. According to him, the rough treatment of the community indicates how easy it is for people to get emotional in an event situation.

"I regret this situation. It is easy to create mobs and destroy people who are actually innocent," said Adrianus.

According to Adrianus' assessment, there are several factors that are easily provoked by the community. He said, residents were annoyed with the many acts of thieves in their area.

So when there is a similar case, they are provoked and at that time get a weaker target.

"So far, there are several factors that can easily trigger mass action. Among others, the hot climate, the crowded situation, provocateurs, issues and the presence of weak targets," he said.

As is known, the WH attack took place on Jalan Pulokambing, JIEP area, Cakung, East Jakarta, Sunday, January 23. WH was shouted at by the thief because the car he was driving had hit a motorcyclist.

East Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit AKBP Ahsanul Muqaffi confirmed that the victim was not a thief. Because WH is the owner of the vehicle. Muqaffi added that the victim did not hear when he was shouted at and honked by residents.