Police Arrest 3 Suspects Over Persib U-18 Bus Attack in Batang

Attack at Rest Area 360B Tol Batang

Bus carrying the Persib Bandung U-18 Elite Pro Academy squad was targeted by a group of individuals at Rest Area 360B Tol Batang in Desa Gondang, Kecamatan Subah, Kabupaten Batang, on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. Polresta Batang reported that the team vehicle arrived at the rest stop at approximately 21.00 local time while returning to Bandung from Surakarta.

According to police statements detailed during a press briefing at Polresta Batang, the altercation began near the rest area restrooms. A witness identified as G, wearing a Persib Bandung jersey, was spotted by a crowd of around five or more buses carrying rival supporters. The crowd approached G and an accompanying team official, identified as PP, triggering a physical confrontation.

Police Investigation and Arrest Timeline

Polresta Batang Chief Kombes Pol Warsono outlined the sequence of arrests during a media briefing on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Investigators utilized surveillance footage, witness statements, and physical evidence to track down suspects across multiple jurisdictions.

The initial arrest occurred on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, when law enforcement detained a suspect identified by the initials BPA in Karawang. Subsequent drug screenings revealed that BPA tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana use. Following further interrogation and evidence gathering, police executed two additional arrests on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2026, apprehending a suspect designated as HH in Bogor and another individual known as MF alias T in Jakarta.

Suspect Charges and Legal Ramifications

Authorities have brought distinct charges against the three detained individuals based on their alleged specific actions during the Oct. 11 incident. Prosecutor filings and police records cite provisions under the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) Number 1 of 2023.

Police Arrest 3 Suspects Over Persib U-18 Bus Attack in Batang — Photo: Kumparan.com

Suspect BPA faces charges under Article 262, Article 466, and Article 521 for acts of violence against property and individuals resulting in physical injury, carrying a maximum potential sentence of seven years in prison. Suspect HH is charged under Article 262 and Article 521 for property destruction, carrying up to five years behind bars. Meanwhile, suspect MF alias T faces allegations under Article 477 regarding joint theft, facing a potential seven-year prison term.

Injuries and Vehicle Damage Sustained

During the assault, the team transport vehicle suffered significant physical damage. Investigators noted that the rear windshield was shattered and the right-hand body panels were heavily dented after being pelted with stones and other objects thrown by the crowd.

Team official PP sustained multiple injuries during the beatings, including a torn inner nasal passage that produced heavy bleeding, facial swelling and bruising, and cranial swelling across the back, top, and sides of the head. Police confirmed that PP received outpatient treatment at RSUD Batang following the attack. Furthermore, official luggage and equipment stored in the bus cargo compartments were rummaged through, with MF specifically accused of stealing two suitcases belonging to players and team officials.

Management Response and Psychological Support

Zaenal Arif, Director of Youth Development at PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat and manager of the U-18 squad, publicly acknowledged the police department’s swift action during a statement on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. The former national team player emphasized that rivalry should strictly remain within the confines of a football pitch.

Management requested that authorities pursue the investigation to its full conclusion to ensure accountability and deter future incidents. Additionally, club officials initiated professional psychological counseling for the young athletes to help them process the trauma and resume their athletic development safely.