Jakarta – The Indonesian military is working to de-escalate a situation stemming from the alleged assault of a Depok-based ice vendor falsely accused of using non-food grade materials in his product. Suderajat, 49, claims he was attacked by individuals identifying as police and military personnel after they accused him of using sponge material in his es gabus, a traditional Indonesian iced dessert.Following a meeting with Suderajat on Tuesday, military officials expressed hope for an amicable resolution and to avoid further legal action in the case, which has raised concerns about due process and community relations.
JAKARTA – The Indonesian military is hoping to avoid further legal issues following a meeting with a Depok-based ice vendor who alleged he was assaulted after being falsely accused of selling ice made with sponge material. The incident has sparked public concern and prompted intervention from both police and military officials.
Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono, the Army’s Head of Public Information, stated Tuesday that officials hope “there will be no further lawsuits or prolonged conflict” stemming from the recent discussions with Suderajat, 49, the ice vendor at the center of the controversy.
Pramono confirmed that laboratory tests showed the ice sold by Suderajat was made with food-grade ingredients and safe for consumption. The case highlights the potential for miscommunication and the importance of thorough investigation before accusations are made.
According to Pramono, the situation arose from a misunderstanding between security personnel – including members of the Babinsa (military unit) and Bhabinkamtibmas (police unit) – and local residents. “Based on verification at the scene, the incident was a misunderstanding between security officers and citizens,” he said.
The military initiated the meeting with Suderajat in an effort to resolve the issue amicably through dialogue and a focus on restoring community relations.
What Happened
Suderajat, a vendor from Depok specializing in es gabus (a traditional Indonesian iced dessert), claims he was physically assaulted after being accused of using sponge material in his product while selling in the Kemayoran area of Central Jakarta.
He alleges that individuals identifying themselves as police and military personnel made the accusations, despite subsequent lab results confirming the safety of his ice. The incident occurred on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Suderajat explained that he began his workday around 4:00 a.m., collecting his supplies from a small-scale production facility in Depok Lama. He then traveled to Kemayoran, selling his ice near local schools.
Read also: Depok Police Chief Gifts Motorcycle to Ice Vendor Falsely Accused of Using Sponges
Around 10:00 a.m., Suderajat said four or five people approached his stall pretending to be customers. “First, they came to buy ice, then they stomped on it. The man said the ice was poisonous,” Suderajat recounted during an interview Tuesday.
He stated that he was accused of using toxic substances and sponge material in his es gabus, with some claiming the texture resembled surgical cotton.
Following the destruction of his product, Suderajat alleges the ice was thrown at his face, causing minor facial abrasions.
