Jakarta, Indonesia – A chaotic scene unfolded in central Jakarta on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, as a driver led authorities on a bizarre and dangerous rampage through city streets, driving against traffic and colliding with multiple vehicles. The incident, which culminated in the vehicle being surrounded and damaged by an angry mob, has sparked outrage and raised questions about public safety. The driver has been identified as Hafiz Mahendra, a 24-year-traditional resident of Sidoarjo, East Java.
The ordeal began around 5:20 PM local time on Jalan Gunung Sahari, a major thoroughfare in the Sawah Besar district. According to reports from the Jakarta Central Metro Police, Mahendra was driving a black minibus with license plate number D-1640-AHB when he began traveling south against the flow of traffic. Police attempted to intercept the vehicle near the Lapangan Banteng bus stop, but Mahendra allegedly accelerated, continuing his erratic path through the city.
Erratic Route and Confrontation with Police
The driver’s route, as pieced together from police statements and witness accounts, was circuitous and increasingly reckless. After initially ignoring attempts to pull him over, Mahendra turned onto Jalan Gunung Sahari IV, then continued onto Jalan Bungur Besar Raya. He then reversed course, driving against traffic on Jalan Gunung Sahari V before proceeding onto Jalan Dr. Sutomo. The pursuit continued near the Bintang Baru Hotel, where he again changed direction, returning towards the MBAL traffic light intersection.
During the chase, a police officer reportedly discharged a firearm into the air as a warning, attempting to compel Mahendra to stop. Although, this tactic proved unsuccessful, and the driver continued his dangerous maneuvers, colliding with several other vehicles – including motorcycles and cars – along the way. The extent of the damage to those vehicles and any potential injuries to their occupants remain under investigation.
Public Outrage and Mob Action
The culmination of the incident occurred near the Golden Truly busway halte, where Mahendra’s vehicle was finally brought to a halt by a combination of traffic congestion and the intervention of enraged citizens. A video circulating on social media, originally posted to the Instagram account @jakarta.terkini, shows a crowd surrounding the minibus, visibly damaging it with kicks and blows. The vehicle sustained significant damage, including broken windows and dents to the body.
The Jakarta Central Metro Police swiftly secured the scene and took Mahendra into custody. Police Commissioner Arry S. Utomo confirmed that no serious injuries or fatalities were reported as a direct result of the incident, though the chaotic nature of the event undoubtedly caused significant distress to those involved and witnessing it.
Investigation Underway and Questions Remain
Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind Mahendra’s actions. Kompol Arry S. Utomo stated that the driver, born in Surabaya in 2021, is being questioned to determine the circumstances that led to his reckless behavior. The police have not yet released any information regarding potential contributing factors, such as substance abuse or mental health issues.
The incident has prompted a wave of reactions on social media, with many expressing shock and anger at the driver’s disregard for public safety. Concerns have also been raised about the effectiveness of police pursuit tactics and the potential for escalation in similar situations. The Jakarta Central Metro Police have stated that they are reviewing their procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The driver, Hafiz Mahendra, is currently being held at the Jakarta Central Metro Police headquarters pending further investigation. Authorities have indicated that he will face charges related to reckless driving, endangering public safety, and property damage. The exact charges and potential penalties will be determined following a thorough review of the evidence.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining order and ensuring public safety in a densely populated urban environment like Jakarta. The swift response of the police and the intervention of concerned citizens ultimately brought the situation under control, but the event serves as a stark reminder of the potential for chaos and the importance of responsible driving.
Sebuah mobil menjadi sasaran amukan massa di kawasan Pasar Baru Timur, Jakarta Pusat.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired on Jalan Gunung Sahari. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. The incident serves as a critical reminder for all drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
The next step in this case will be the formal charging of Hafiz Mahendra by the Jakarta Central District Attorney’s office, expected within the next 72 hours. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they turn into available.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Share your comments below and let us know what you think should be done to prevent similar events in the future.