Tangerang Metro Police have named Habib Bahar bin Smith as a suspect in the assault of a Barisan Ansor Serbaguna (Banser) member in Cipondoh, Tangerang, on September 21, 2025. The incident began when the victim approached Bahar to shake hands but was blocked by guards and subsequently beaten. Investigators have summoned the suspect for questioning on February 4, 2026.
The assault incident occurred on September 21, 2025, in the Cipondoh area of Tangerang City, Banten, while Habib Bahar bin Smith attended an event to deliver a sermon. A Banser member with initials R approached the location to listen to the sermon and intended to shake hands with Bahar. However, a group of event guards blocked him, accusing the victim of intending to "poke Bahar's eyes."
The situation escalated, with the victim being pulled by several men and beaten until battered. The victim's cellphone and motorbike were also seized by the perpetrators. The victim suffered serious bruises from repeated punches and kicks, leading to hospitalization at Tangerang Regency General Hospital.
The victim's family reported the incident on September 22, 2025, with assistance from LBH Ansor Banten, recorded in Police Report Number LP/B/1395/IX/2025/SPKT/Polres Metro Tangerang Kota. Based on the investigators' case review, Bahar bin Smith's status was elevated from reported suspect to formal suspect via the Notification of Investigation Progress Letter (SP2HP) Number B/43/I/RES.1.24/2026/Reskrim on January 30, 2026.
Head of Criminal Investigation at Tangerang Metro Police, AKBP Awaludin Kanur, stated that the legal process will proceed professionally, transparently, and in accordance with applicable laws. "We have named the suspect and sent a summons to the suspect (Bahar Bin Smith) to appear for questioning on Wednesday, February 4, 2026," he said in Tangerang on February 1, 2026.
Bahar bin Smith is charged under Article 365 of the Criminal Code for theft with violence, and/or Article 170 for group assault, and/or Article 351 for assault, in conjunction with Article 55 for complicity in criminal acts.
