Ilham Oktafian, Jakarta – Four individuals have been named as suspects in a case involving the alleged assault on Catholic students from Pamulang University (Unpam) who were reciting the Rosary prayer in the Babakan area, Cisauk, Tangerang.

Ibnu Bagus Santoso, the South Tangerang Police Chief, revealed that the four suspects are 53-year-old D, 30-year-old I, 36-year-old S, and 26-year-old A. D holds the position of the local neighborhood chief (RT).

"The suspect identified as D shouted loudly with profanity and intimidation towards the victims and their friends, with the aim of inciting others to attack them, as they were perceived as disturbing the neighborhood," Ibnu said during a press conference on Tuesday.

In addition to D, suspect I also shouted at the students who were praying and physically assaulted them twice.

Meanwhile, S and A were reportedly carrying sharp weapons and used them to intimidate the students.

"The evidence includes video recordings, three types of knives, a red shirt, and a black shirt," he added.

The suspects are facing charges under several articles, including the law on possession of sharp weapons, assault, and ordering others to commit a criminal act. They could face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

Previously, a video went viral on social media showing Unpam students being subjected to violence while praying the Rosary. In the viral video, several students were surrounded by a crowd, and some were attacked with sharp weapons.

One of the female students claimed that local RT officials were involved in the attack.

The incident was uploaded on social media by the account @KatolikG. "Catholic students of Pamulang University gathered at a house in Victor Serpong and prayed the Rosary, but they were besieged by RT officials and residents who brought sharp weapons to disperse and assault the students who were praying. Fortunately, there were no casualties," stated the caption of the video.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/tangerang-police-identify-four-suspects-in-assault-on-catholic-student