22fun 7 teenagers found dead in Bekasi river could have drowned fleeing arrest, say Jakarta police

BEKASI, Indonesia: Residents of a housing complex near the Bekasi River, just outside Jakarta, met an unpleasant shock on Sunday (Sep 22) after they discovered seven bodies floating behind a mosque. 

According to police, the bodies are believed to belong to a group of teenagers who drowned while attempting to avoid arrest. 

Acting head of Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Bekasi City Priadi Santoso confirmed that the first report of the bodies was made by residents at approximately 7am. The victims were found floating in the muddy waters, with visible signs of swelling on their faces but no major injuries.

“There are no significant wounds, only bruises on their heads, which seem to be due to swelling,” said a rescue officer from Bekasi, known only as Mr Fajar, as quoted by Kompas TV on Sunday. 

According to local TV channel TV One, local resident Mdm Umi Suci was searching for her pet cat near the riverbank at around 5.30am. Instead of her cat, she spotted five bodies scattered on both sides of the river which prompted her to immediately alert her local community. They contacted authorities for assistance. 

A joint rescue operation involving the police, National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and BPBD was later dispatched to retrieve the bodies.

Two more bodies were discovered in the same river. One was found floating downstream, while the other was stranded on the riverbank about 20m away.

According to authorities, the seven victims were dressed identically in black jackets. However, it remains unclear if the jackets had any specific insignias or affiliations.

The police hospital’s Head of Medical Services, Herry Wijatmoko, noted that the bodies had likely been in the water for at least 24 hours, as the cold water temperature had slowed down the decomposition process.

According to local authorities, the depth of the Bekasi River varies, with the deepest points reaching 2m. However, the specific locations where the bodies were discovered were much shallower, only ankle-deep, or about 10cm.

Police have confirmed that investigations are underway to establish the identities of the victims. 

All seven bodies have been transferred to the Keramat Jati Police Hospital in East Jakarta22fun, where autopsies are scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

WHAT HAPPENED?Bekasi residents were shocked by the discovery of seven bodies floating in the Bekasi River, Bekasi City, just outside Jakarta, on Sunday morning (Jul 22, 2024). (Photo:X/txtdrbekasi)

• in
• Dead
• found
• 22fun
• teenagers