Young man assaulted by security after demanding a song change and failing to pay his tab.
A night out at a Batam café turned violent when a customer was attacked by security staff for insisting on a song change and failing to settle his bill. The incident, which took place in the early hours of February 24, 2025, at Dragon Café in Batu Aji, led to injuries for both the victim and his brother, who later confronted the attackers.
A night meant for relaxation ended in violence when a patron at Dragon Café in Batam’s Batu Aji district was allegedly assaulted by security personnel after demanding a change in music and leaving his bill unpaid. The confrontation escalated further when the victim’s brother arrived at the café to address the attack, resulting in another altercation. Police have since detained one suspect while others remain under investigation.
The victim, identified as 22-year-old BS, had initially gone to Dragon Café to enjoy the night. However, tensions flared when he attempted to force a change in the music selection, reportedly grabbing the microphone from another patron who was performing karaoke. Witnesses stated that BS’s disruptive behavior angered both staff and fellow customers.
As the situation escalated, café security intervened, and an altercation ensued. According to police reports, BS was attacked and later left the café with visible injuries. Seeking help, he approached his older brother, JH, who then accompanied him back to the scene to confront those responsible for the beating.
Brother’s Confrontation Leads to Further Violence
Upon arriving at the café, JH questioned the security staff about the assault on his younger brother. However, instead of a peaceful resolution, an argument broke out, escalating into a second physical altercation. Reports indicate that JH managed to land two punches on one of the attackers before both siblings were overwhelmed by multiple assailants.
As a result of the second altercation, JH suffered bruises on his temple, swelling on his head, and injuries to his back. BS sustained additional injuries, including facial wounds, bruising on his back, and a cut on his left arm.
Unpaid Bill and Pawned Phone
Further investigation revealed that after the initial confrontation inside the café, BS attempted to leave without paying his tab. At the cashier’s counter, he realized he could not cover the cost of his drinks and was forced to pawn his mobile phone as collateral. Despite this, tensions did not subside, and the confrontation continued outside in the parking lot, where the security staff and other individuals allegedly attacked him once more.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following a report from the victims, police launched an investigation into the case. On February 25, officers from Batu Aji Police apprehended one of the suspected attackers, identified as 27-year-old KK, at a location in the Pasar Melayu complex. During questioning at the police station, KK admitted to participating in the attack.
Authorities have stated that additional suspects are still being pursued. Meanwhile, evidence collected from the crime scene includes a shirt worn by the victim at the time of the incident.
The incident at Dragon Café raises concerns about public safety and conflict resolution in Batam’s nightlife scene. While café-goers expect a fun and relaxing environment, violent altercations involving security personnel highlight a growing issue of excessive force. Moreover, cases like these could impact Batam’s reputation as a nightlife destination for both locals and tourists, particularly those from neighboring Singapore and Malaysia.
Law enforcement authorities have urged the public to report any similar cases and emphasized the importance of resolving disputes without resorting to violence. As investigations continue, police are committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Sources: Detik (2025), Batam Pos (2025)
Keywords: Batam Café Violence, Song Request Assault, Security Brutality, Batu Aji Beating, Police Investigation Batam
