4-1-2025 (JAKARTA) Police have apprehended a key suspect in connection with a series of violent robberies targeting motorists on the Tanjung Priok access toll road in North Jakarta. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the brazen daylight attacks that left multiple victims traumatised.
Metropolitan Police confirmed that M Ali Sanda (MAS) has been taken into custody and formally charged as a suspect in the incidents that occurred on Friday afternoon. North Jakarta Metro Police Chief Commissioner Ahmad Fuady told reporters that MAS, identified as the machete-wielding main perpetrator, is currently being held at the North Jakarta Metro Police detention centre.
“Our investigation remains active as we pursue five additional suspects known as Aji, Anggi, Tedi, Amat (alias Acong), and Cipuy,” Commissioner Fuady stated.
The crime spree involved two separate incidents at the same location. In the first attack, a married couple found themselves surrounded by six assailants whilst stuck in heavy traffic. Senior Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi detailed how the gang, armed with sharp weapons, surrounded the victims’ vehicle and attempted to assault the female passenger. The couple lost a mobile phone valued at approximately 1.5 million rupiah (£75), and the husband sustained minor injuries to his right index finger during the ordeal.
In a related incident moments later, the same group targeted a Grandmax delivery vehicle driver who was approaching the toll exit. “One perpetrator initially approached the victim demanding money,” explained Commissioner Indradi. “Three accomplices armed with sharp weapons then joined the confrontation.”
The assault escalated when the gang forcibly seized a bag containing the driver’s personal and vehicle documentation. The victim sustained serious injuries after being slashed across his back during the attack.
