JAKARTA, Aug 23, 2026 — Indonesian police detained five students after finding several bladed weapons during a patrol aimed at preventing a suspected street clash in South Tangerang, police said on Sunday.
The students were found during an early-morning patrol by the Mobile Brigade Police's C Pioneer Battalion on Jalan WR Supratman in Rengas, Ciputat Timur, South Tangerang, police said.
Officers recovered one machete, two sickles, two motorcycles and four mobile phones from the area, according to police.
A roadside food cart belonging to a local resident was also damaged in the incident, police said.
The five students and the items found at the scene were handed over to the Ciputat Timur police station for further questioning.
South Jakarta Mobile Brigade commander Henik Maryanto said the patrol was part of preventive measures to identify potential security threats before they escalated.
"Personnel must be able to identify potential vulnerabilities and act quickly when there are indications of a security disturbance," Henik said.
He said any findings that indicated possible criminal activity would be handled in accordance with established procedures in coordination with local police.
The operation was part of a wider police patrol targeting potential security threats, including street crime and clashes between groups, police said.
Before reaching Jalan WR Supratman, officers patrolled several roads in Ciputat Timur and Ciputat, according to police.
South Jakarta Metro Police spokesperson Budi Hermanto urged parents to monitor their children's activities, particularly at night and in the early hours of the morning.
He also warned students against carrying bladed weapons or becoming involved in street clashes, saying such activities could endanger themselves and others and potentially lead to legal proceedings.
"We urge parents, schools and the community to work together to prevent children from becoming involved in brawls or other dangerous activities," Budi said.
He also urged residents to report potential security disturbances to police so they could be handled promptly. (Janne Sinten)
