BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM – A viral social media post claiming a young man was robbed in Batam has been officially debunked. The Batu Aji Police confirmed that the incident was not a robbery, but a case of assault following a swift investigation.
Batu Aji Police Chief AKP Bayu Rizki Subagyo stated that officers immediately conducted verification after the report spread widely online. Initial claims that the incident occurred in Temiang were also corrected.
"We quickly verified the information and coordinated with relevant units. Based on our findings, the incident took place on Monday, May 18, 2026, at around 9:30 p.m. in Sei Lekop, not in Temiang," he said on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
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Authorities confirmed that the case involved a physical altercation rather than a robbery. The victim, a 22-year-old man identified by the initial F, was instructed to file an official report at the Sagulung Police Station, which has jurisdiction over the area.
"The case is clearly an assault, not a robbery. The investigation will be handled by the Sagulung Police," AKP Bayu emphasized.
Victim Retracts Statement and Apologizes
Read Also: Barelang Police Crack Down on Trucks Without Brake Lights in Night Patrol The victim, later identified as Fadil, retracted his initial viral statement and issued a public apology. He admitted that his earlier claim of being robbed was inaccurate.
"I apologize for my viral post. It is not true that I was a victim of robbery. I actually had an altercation in the Sagulung area (Sei Lekop)," he said.
Fadil also extended his apology to the Riau Islands Police for the public confusion caused by his post.
Read Also: Kodaeral IV Honors Sailing Athletes After Strong Medal Haul at National Championship "I sincerely apologize to the police chief, the station, and all parties involved for my post. Thank you," he added.
Police Warn Against Online Misinformation
AKP Bayu urged the public to verify information before sharing it on social media to prevent unnecessary panic and misinformation.
"We urge everyone to verify information before sharing it. 'Think before you share' is important to avoid public confusion," he stated. (IDNC)
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