Two men charged despite being injured and trying to break up fight at Majestic KTV
What began as a reported assault inside a lift at a Batam entertainment venue has escalated into controversy, after police named both a victim and a mediator as criminal suspects in the case.
Hartono, also known as Amiang, was allegedly beaten by seven men after his friend unintentionally stepped on another patron’s foot in the lift of Majestic KTV, Tanjungpinang, during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, Hartono was later named a suspect along with Lovikospanto, who was reportedly trying to break up the fight. The designation came after both men filed police reports following the incident, which occurred in the early hours of January 28, 2025.
Competing Reports Spark Uneven Action
Although Hartono was first to report the assault to police on February 12, 2025, officers simultaneously received a counter-report from a man named Acai, one of the alleged aggressors. Surprisingly, Acai’s report progressed quickly to the investigation stage, while Hartono’s initial complaint appeared to stall. On April 22, both Hartono and Lovikospanto were named as suspects, prompting questions about the transparency and neutrality of the investigation.
CCTV and Witness Discrepancies
Tanjungpinang Commissioner of Police Hamam stated that the charges were based on collected evidence, including CCTV footage. However, the legal representatives of Hartono and Lovikospanto argue that not all video evidence and witness statements have been treated fairly. Lawyer Jhon Asron Purba noted that out of seven alleged attackers, only a portion were interrogated, creating a potential imbalance in the investigation.
Lawyers Raise Red Flags Over Due Process
Jhon and co-counsel Rivaldhy Harmi criticized the apparent bias, stating that authorities had ignored the initial trauma and injuries sustained by their client. The defence team pledged to pursue due process but hinted at taking the matter to Propam, Komnas HAM, Kompolnas, or Komnas Perempuan should they detect irregularities in the police handling of the case.
Responding to criticism, Police Chief Hamam clarified that both parties had filed reports and that the case was moving forward according to procedure. “Objections can be voiced in court. We are processing the matter as per legal standards,” he told local media on May 1, 2025. He added that the investigation is ongoing to determine who initiated the altercation.
The decision to charge a victim and a mediator has sparked public concern in Tanjungpinang and beyond. Civil rights groups and community leaders fear that mishandled cases like this erode trust in law enforcement and the judicial process. The incident underscores the critical need for impartial investigations, especially when both parties claim to be victims.
The Majestic KTV incident has evolved into a test of public trust in Indonesia’s legal system. As the case proceeds, it raises vital questions about fairness, due process, and the treatment of victims within the justice framework. For nearby regions like Batam and Singapore that watch cross-border law enforcement closely, the outcome may influence wider perceptions of procedural integrity.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025), Ulasan (2025)
Keywords: Majestic KTV Case, Tanjungpinang Assault, Lift Brawl Batam, Victim Criminalised, Indonesian Legal Controversy
