Presidential Chief of Staff General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman has condemned the fatal mob attack on a man accused of stealing chickens in Tabanan Regency, Bali, urging the public to reject vigilantism and allow criminal cases to be resolved through the legal process.
In a statement received in Jakarta on Monday, Dudung described the death of the suspect, identified by the initials KD, as “a humanitarian tragedy” that should serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law.
“As the Chief of Presidential Staff, I express my deep concern and sorrow, while also condemning the violent act that resulted in the loss of a person’s life. The alleged crime committed by someone does not eliminate their right to a fair legal process,” Dudung said.
He stressed that no alleged offence could justify the loss of life outside the judicial process.
“Every alleged crime must be processed according to applicable legal mechanisms,” he said.
Dudung also called on the National Police to strengthen public education on the dangers and legal consequences of vigilantism while prioritising preventive measures.
He urged religious leaders, traditional leaders, community figures, and local leaders to help foster a culture of peace and encourage conflict resolution without violence.
He further asked law enforcement authorities to investigate the case thoroughly, professionally, transparently, and fairly.
“Our country is a country of law. All citizens are equal before the law. Therefore, let us return to that principle,” he said.
Police Investigation Continues as Local Leaders Call for Justice
The incident occurred in Batunya Village, Baturiti District, at around 1.30 am WITA on Friday, 24 July, when residents allegedly caught KD attempting to steal a fighting cock.
Tabanan Police spokesperson First Inspector Ni Luh Putu Wiwik Endrayani said local residents confronted the suspect before the situation escalated into violence.
“The suspect was discovered by residents when he allegedly stole a chicken belonging to a local resident,” Wiwik said.
According to police, residents had previously reported repeated cases of missing chickens in the area, contributing to heightened tensions.
“Residents have been complaining about missing chickens in the area for quite some time, so when the perpetrator was caught red-handed, the situation immediately escalated,” she said.
Police officers arrived at the scene at around 2.00 am, but KD had already died. Investigators secured a chicken believed to have been stolen, a machete, and a bag containing pliers, a slingshot, stones, and cash. The motorcycle allegedly used by KD was also set on fire by the crowd.
Wiwik said investigators are examining both the alleged theft and the assault that resulted in KD’s death.
“Currently, investigators are still questioning witnesses and examining the entire sequence of events, including identifying the alleged perpetrators,” she said.
Tabanan Regent I Komang Gede Sanjaya also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and urged the public to respect the legal process.
“As the Regent of Tabanan, and as part of the Tabanan community, I am deeply concerned and offer my deepest condolences for this tragedy. The loss of one life is a grief for us all,” Sanjaya said.
He added that criminal allegations should always be addressed through legal channels.
“Indonesia is a country of law. As a society that upholds customs, ethics, and moral values, let us together respect the ongoing legal process. Give the authorities the space to work professionally so that they can reach a fair decision in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” he said.
Sidetapa Village Head I Made Sutama echoed the same sentiment, saying the alleged offence should never have resulted in a fatal assault.
“People are certainly at fault, but do not let someone’s life be taken for stealing a chicken,” Sutama said.
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Family to Pursue Legal Action as Government Supports Victim’s Children
KD, a resident of Sidetapa Village in Buleleng Regency, leaves behind his wife and three children. His eldest child is married, while the second is in the first year of vocational school and the youngest is in the first year of primary school.
Footage showing the youngest child crying during KD’s funeral on Saturday attracted widespread public attention on social media.
“It is so sad to see the children crying,” Sutama said after attending the funeral.
Sutama said the family intends to file a police report after the traditional mourning period ends.
“The family will likely follow up after three days. We want this matter handed over to law enforcement,” he said.
He added that the family hopes those responsible for the assault will be identified and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the Buleleng Regency Government has pledged to support KD’s family by ensuring the children’s education continues and by providing psychological assistance.
Head of the Buleleng Social Services, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Agency, Putu Kariaman, said the local administration had delivered food assistance and clothing to the family while preparing longer-term support.
“The Regent, Deputy Regent, and Regional Secretary sincerely hope that the education of the victim’s children will continue,” Kariaman said.
He added that the children would receive educational assistance through the Smart Indonesia Programme (PIP), while psychologists would begin providing counselling from Monday.
“Starting tomorrow, we will provide psychological support. Their condition is visibly improving, but support is still mandatory to prevent this incident from becoming a long-term burden for the children, and to assess the extent of their depression,” Kariaman said.
