Police have apprehended Hafiz Mahendra (24), the driver of a Toyota Calya, who was involved in a series of collisions with motorcycles and cars on Jalan Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (February 25). The incident, which quickly went viral, led to a swift police response and ongoing investigation into the driver’s actions and possessions.
Hafiz Mahendra has now been officially named a suspect. This development comes not only for the traffic incident itself but primarily for the possession of a sharp weapon, coupled with the use of a fake identity and fraudulent license plates. Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations for the Jakarta Metro Police, confirmed these details to reporters on Friday (February 27), stating, “Regarding the Calya car that has been widely viral and discussed, the driver has been named a suspect for possessing a sharp weapon, including an identity and vehicle registration plates that could not be verified and were found to be fake.”
Following his apprehension, Hafiz is currently being detained at the Central Jakarta Metro Police Station, where the investigation is actively progressing. His actions have led to charges under Article 30 Paragraph 1 of Law Number 1 Year 2023, juncto Article 391 Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code. If convicted, Hafiz Mahendra faces a potential sentence of up to 7 years in prison for these offenses.
Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind Hafiz’s decision to carry a sharp weapon in his vehicle. Police are particularly keen to understand if the weapon was intended for other illegal activities, aiming to alleviate public concern. “This is still being thoroughly investigated with the individual, as we need to ensure that such incidents do not create anxiety among the public. Whether the sharp weapon was intended for other activities is still under deep scrutiny,” Budi Hermanto added, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the inquiry.
Meanwhile, a woman and a young child who were passengers in the Toyota Calya during the incident are being questioned as witnesses. Their roles are currently limited to providing testimony, and authorities are particularly attentive to the child’s well-being. Recognizing the potential trauma, the PPA PPO Unit of the Central Jakarta Metro Police is providing psychological support to the child, upholding the state’s obligation to protect vulnerable individuals, including women and children.
In his statement to the police, Hafiz Mahendra claimed he had recently arrived in Jakarta and was en route to Ancol. He further admitted to driving the vehicle against the flow of traffic at the time of the incident, accompanied by a woman he identified as his girlfriend.