Seven teenagers were reported to have drowned in a river after jumping in to avoid police arrest during a raid on a brawl in Jakarta. Preliminary investigations indicated that the teenagers, who were suspected of not being able to swim, were swept away by the current. Police believe the group threw themselves into the river to escape a police patrol in the area.
The incident took place after a group of teenagers gathered at a small grocery stall to celebrate the birthday of one of the teenagers, Muhammad Rizky. Police recovered evidence, including sharp weapons, motorcycles, and mobile phones, from a hut near the scene. Three individuals were named as suspects for carrying bladed weapons commonly used in street violence.
Police Chief Inspector General Karyoto confirmed that a raid was conducted following reports of a brawl in the area. However, many teenagers had already fled the scene by the time authorities arrived. Teenage brawls, known as tawuran, are said to be a frequent occurrence in the area, with similar incidents happening once or twice a week.
Authorities have yet to confirm how many teenagers besides the seven who drowned had attempted to flee by jumping into the river. Police are interviewing victims’ family members and friends to understand the events leading up to the tragedy. Post-mortem and autopsy reports are expected to provide further insight into the cause of death.
Teenage brawls are identified as an alarming phenomenon in Indonesia, driven by factors such as peer pressure, the pursuit of social recognition, and poor academic performance. The Acting Chairperson of the National Commission for Children highlighted the growing concern over child abuse contributing to the rise of teenage brawls. She emphasized the importance of community involvement in reporting incidents to ensure children’s safety.
Overall, there is a call for collaborative efforts from all sectors to address the root causes of teenage brawls in Indonesia. Observers cite social changes among the youth, including the impact of social media, economic pressures, lifestyle shifts, and inadequate education. Authorities are urged to act swiftly to prevent such incidents from escalating into tragedies and to ensure the well-being of the nation’s children.
