Parents of teenage looter return luxury watch taken during mob attack in Tanjung Priok
A luxury Richard Mille watch worth Rp11.7 billion (S$936,000) belonging to Indonesian lawmaker Ahmad Sahroni was returned after being taken during a violent mob attack on his North Jakarta home.
Watch Returned After Looting
The Richard Mille RM 40-01 McLaren Speedtail, one of the world’s most coveted limited-edition timepieces, was taken when Sahroni’s home in Kebon Bawang, Tanjung Priok, Jakarta Utara, was ransacked on Saturday, August 30, 2025. The attack left his house damaged, windows shattered, and his vehicles heavily vandalized.
On Sunday, August 31, at around 5 p.m., the stolen watch was returned by the mother of a 14-year-old boy alleged to have taken it. She arrived at the Kelurahan Kebon Bawang office, accompanied by community leaders including the local RT and RW.
Parents Took the Lead
According to RW 06 chairman Sugeng, the boy’s mother insisted on returning the watch voluntarily. In her own words: “This watch is not ours. We must return it.” Sugeng confirmed that the return process was formalized with a signed handover letter and witnessed by representatives of Sahroni, including Imanuddin.
Community Role in Mediation
The incident highlighted how local leaders mediated between residents and Sahroni’s camp. Sugeng explained that the mother contacted him first after realizing her son’s involvement. Together, they ensured the safe handover of the Rp11.7 billion watch. “RT-RW acted only as witnesses. It was the family’s decision to return it,” he told local media.
Unclear If Other Items Were Taken
While the luxury watch was successfully retrieved, uncertainty remains regarding other valuables. Sugeng admitted he only witnessed the return of the Richard Mille timepiece and could not confirm if additional stolen property was handed back.
Sahroni Under Public Spotlight
Ahmad Sahroni, a suspended NasDem Party lawmaker, has been under public scrutiny following controversial remarks about calls to dissolve the Indonesian Parliament. On August 22, during a working visit to North Sumatra Police Headquarters, he dismissed the public’s demand as “the dumbest statement in the world.” His comments have fueled heated criticism, amplifying public attention on the mob attack at his residence.
Broader Impact
The incident reflects deepening public frustration with Indonesia’s political elite while also highlighting community-driven accountability. For Indonesians, it underscores the widening divide between lawmakers and citizens. For Singaporeans, the case demonstrates the high value of luxury assets tied to regional political figures and how social unrest can spill over into targeted acts of vandalism and looting.
The voluntary return of Ahmad Sahroni’s Rp11.7 billion Richard Mille watch by the parents of a teenage looter highlights both the importance of community mediation and the rising tension between Indonesian citizens and political elites. While one high-value item has been returned, the episode raises broader questions about wealth inequality, political accountability, and public trust across Indonesia and beyond.
Sources: CNA (2025) , Kompas.com (2025)
Keywords: Ahmad Sahroni, Richard Mille Watch, Tanjung Priok, Jakarta Mob, Stolen Property, Indonesian Lawmaker
