Authorities have discovered a collection of weapons, including a realistic-looking toy gun and several knives, inside a Toyota Calya vehicle driven recklessly through central Jakarta on February 25, 2026. The driver, identified as HM, 24, caused multiple collisions while evading police.
“We are still investigating the origin of these items,” said AKBP Roby Heri Saputra, head of the criminal investigation unit at the Central Jakarta Police, when contacted Sunday, February 29, 2026. “The suspect claims they belong to his brother, but we haven’t been able to locate him yet to verify that statement.”
Police confirmed HM borrowed the Calya from his brother and initially told officers he was unaware of the weapons being inside. However, investigators are skeptical of this claim.
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“That’s his statement, but he was the one driving the car, so he could say anything,” Saputra explained. “We are still searching for his brother, who is currently out of the area.”
HM told police he and his girlfriend were on their way to Ancol amusement park but panicked when they saw police. The incident highlights the potential for escalating situations when drivers attempt to evade law enforcement.
“He said they were going to Ancol and were afraid of the police. We are also trying to understand why he reacted that way. Yes, the woman in the passenger seat was his girlfriend and they were planning a trip to Ancol,” Saputra added.
HM has been charged as a suspect and is currently in custody. He faces up to seven years in prison under Article 30, paragraph 1 of Law Number 1 of 2023 in conjunction with Article 391, paragraph 2 of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
What Triggered the Reckless Driving
The incident unfolded on Jalan Gunung Sahari in central Jakarta on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 23, 2026. Police suspect HM attempted to flee after realizing officers might discover the multiple fake license plates and weapons inside the vehicle.
According to Kombes Komarudin, director of traffic police for the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, officers found four different sets of license plates in the car, in addition to the one being used. They also recovered two knives and a toy gun.
“Based on what we’ve found, there were four sets of plates – three spares plus the one currently on the car – for a total of four different plates. And inside the car, we found two knives and one toy gun,” Komarudin said Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Authorities believe this discovery prompted the driver to flee, driving erratically and against traffic in a densely populated area, causing a series of collisions.
“It’s likely that was the reason. It’s unusual behavior, especially in Jakarta, to drive against traffic like that. He drove the wrong way on three different streets,” Komarudin stated.
HM is now facing charges related to the traffic violations. He is accused of violating Article 311 of Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Traffic and Road Transportation.
“For the traffic offense itself, we are charging the suspect under Article 311, paragraphs 1, 2, and 3, for driving a vehicle in a manner that endangers other road users. If convicted under paragraph 3, he could face up to four years in prison,” Komarudin explained.
See also Video: Driver Who Drove Against Traffic in Central Jakarta Used Fake ID to Deceive Girlfriend
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