A public entertainment event in Kuala Kuayan, Mentaya Hulu District, East Kotawaringin Regency, ended in a bloody tragedy late last June. The murder, involving two suspects identified by their initials MA and SH, is strongly suspected to have been triggered by excessive alcohol consumption at the venue.
Deputy Chief of East Kotawaringin Police, Police Commissioner Assistant Christian Maruli Tua Siregar, explained that the incident began from an accidental bump while the parties were dancing in front of the stage. The minor dispute sparked tension that escalated into a physical confrontation after the event ended, specifically when suspect SH was intercepted by the victims' group, namely TR, TL, and IR.
In a heightened emotional state fueled by alcohol, suspect MA pulled out a sharp knife and attacked the victim IR, who died at the scene. It did not stop there; suspect SH even pulled out the knife embedded in the victim's neck to attack two other individuals. The victim identified as TL survived despite suffering severe injuries from the attack.
Police have secured both perpetrators along with evidence including a knife sheath and a motorcycle. Meanwhile, the weapon used by the perpetrator was reportedly thrown into the Mentaya River and is still being searched for by the investigative team. Both perpetrators must now answer for their actions before the law.
For their actions, MA and SH are charged under Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the Criminal Code. They face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for their alleged involvement in the mob assault and murder that resulted in the loss of a life.
