One suspect arrested, another still at large following early-morning attack
An American citizen was assaulted in Batam, Indonesia, after a dispute over a ride-hailing order escalated into a group attack, police said.
Dispute Outside Batu Ampar Nightspot
The incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. on February 25, 2026, outside Cafe One Spot & Lounge in the Wiramustika complex, Sei Jodoh, Batu Ampar district, Batam. The victim, identified by initials DJ, reportedly argued with a ride-hailing driver over a Grab booking.
Batu Ampar Police Criminal Investigation Unit head First Inspector M. Brata Ul Usna said the confrontation began as a verbal dispute related to the ride order before escalating.
Assault Involving Multiple Individuals
According to police, the argument did not end with words. The victim was allegedly assaulted by more than one individual during the altercation.
Authorities said the victim suffered physical violence as a result of the attack. Police responded after receiving a report and immediately launched an investigation.
One Suspect Arrested
A joint team from Batu Ampar Police and the Riau Islands Regional Police’s Jatanras unit arrested one suspect, identified as A, on February 26 in Kampung Pelita, Lubuk Baja.
Police confirmed the arrest was made one day after the incident. However, another individual believed to be involved in the assault remains at large.
Ongoing Manhunt
Law enforcement officials said efforts are continuing to track down the second suspect. Investigators are also examining the specific roles of each individual involved in the group attack.
Police have not disclosed further details about the victim’s condition or whether additional suspects may be implicated.
Charges and Potential Penalties
The suspects are being charged under Article 262 of Indonesia’s Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code, which governs group assault offenses.
If convicted, they face a maximum prison sentence of up to five years, police said.
What began as a dispute over a ride-hailing order escalated into a violent assault against a foreign national in Batam. With one suspect in custody and another still being pursued, authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
Sources: Batam News (2026) , Detik (2026)
Keywords: Batam Assault Case, Grab Dispute Batam, Foreign National Attacked, Article 262 Criminal Code, Batam Police Arrest
