Tanjungpinang authorities search for unidentified man after alarming public with erratic behavior

A man suspected to be suffering from a mental disorder sparked panic in Tanjungpinang’s Kota Lama area, prompting a search by local authorities and concerns over public safety.

Sudden Outburst Alarms Old Town Residents

On Monday afternoon, July 14, 2025, a man suspected of being an Orang Dengan Gangguan Jiwa (ODGJ) or individual with mental illness caused panic in the Kota Lama (Old Town) area of Tanjungpinang. The man reportedly displayed aggressive behavior and shouted uncontrollably along Jalan Merdeka’s busy shop district, drawing concern from the public.

The incident was immediately reported to local authorities. However, by the time officers from the Tanjungpinang Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) arrived, the man had disappeared from the area.

Swift Response and Ongoing Search

“We’ve received reports from residents, but when we reached the scene, the individual was no longer there. It’s possible he moved to another location,” said Irwan Yacob, Head of Public Order at Satpol PP Tanjungpinang, on July 15.

Irwan described the man as disheveled, wearing dirty clothes and showing signs of mental instability. His sudden outburst disrupted businesses and alarmed pedestrians in the area. Authorities believe this is the first such incident in the Kota Lama zone.

Coordination With Police

To ensure public safety, Satpol PP has been coordinating closely with the Tanjungpinang Kota Police Sector (Polsek). Police Chief Iptu Misyamsu Alson confirmed the collaboration, stating that the man will be secured and referred for mental health treatment if seen again.

“If the man is found again or causes more disturbances, we’ll ensure he’s taken to a mental hospital (RSJ),” said Alson. The authorities’ quick response underscores growing attention to mental health-related public disruptions.

Handling ODGJ Cases With Care

Irwan emphasized that if the man is identified and located, the primary goal will be to return him to his family and recommend professional psychiatric care. This approach aligns with national efforts to treat ODGJ individuals with dignity and medical support, rather than resorting to criminal measures.

While cases involving mentally ill individuals are not new in Indonesia, their presence in commercial or crowded areas often triggers fear and confusion, highlighting the need for more systematic mental health interventions.

First Reported Case in Kota Lama

“This is the first report of an ODGJ causing a public disturbance in the Kota Lama area,” Irwan noted. Despite the rarity, authorities are not taking the matter lightly and are maintaining active patrols to prevent further incidents.

Local residents have been urged to report any sightings to help ensure a safe and coordinated response, especially if the individual poses a risk to himself or others.

The unexpected outburst by a mentally ill individual in Tanjungpinang’s historic Kota Lama area has highlighted gaps in community mental health awareness and response. As authorities increase patrols and seek to provide care rather than punishment, the situation reflects broader challenges faced by both Indonesians and neighboring communities like Singapore in balancing public safety with compassionate mental health treatment.

Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Meja Redaksi (2025)

Keywords: Tanjungpinang ODGJ, Mentally Ill Man, Kota Lama Incident, Satpol PP Search, Public Disturbance, Mental Health Indonesia