Reckless Driving Surge: Car Driver Attacked After Wrong-Way Pursuit in Bekasi
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A disturbing trend of drivers traveling against traffic is escalating in Indonesia, culminating in a recent incident in Bekasi, West Java, where a motorist was physically assaulted by an enraged mob after a high-speed chase. The incident, which occurred on Monday, January 5, 2026, highlights growing concerns over road safety and increasingly aggressive behaviour behind the wheel.
Wrong-way Driver causes Chaos,Attacks ensue
The chaos unfolded in Kalimalang,Bekasi,when a driver of a Toyota Avanza began driving in the opposite direction,dragging a motorbike along with the vehicle. According to reports, the driver initially faced reprimands from local residents, but instead of complying, attempted to flee the scene. “Walk from the direction of Jatibening (south). When you arrive at the crime scene, when you enter the lane in the opposite direction, you want to turn right towards Kota Bintang (East),” explained Iptu Iswahyudi, Head of the Gakkum Satlantas, Bekasi Metro Police.
The Avanza collided with a motorbike attempting to turn right towards Jatibening before continuing the escape, the motorbike remaining lodged underneath the car. Residents, incensed by the driver’s actions, pursued the vehicle until it was stopped near Global Selamat School. The situation quickly escalated, with the crowd destroying the Avanza – license plate B-1241-HZH – and physically confronting the driver.
A Growing Pattern of Risky Behavior
This incident is not isolated. Reports of drivers traveling the wrong way are becoming increasingly frequent,extending beyond motorcycles to include larger,more dangerous vehicles. Just last weekend, a video circulated online showing an Avanza driving against traffic on the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Toll Road, utilizing the shoulder and even entering active lanes to bypass a stalled vehicle. Prior to that, footage emerged of a Wuling Air EV electric car traveling in the opposite direction while using hazard lights, and a Toyota Fortuner driver engaging in a dispute with another motorist while driving the wrong way in Pluit, North Jakarta.
Weak Enforcement and Impatient Drivers Fuel the Problem
Driving safety expert Sony Susmana from Safety Defensive Consultant Indonesia (SDCI) attributes the surge in these dangerous violations to lax law enforcement. “Many vehicles are going in the opposite direction and are now starting to go massive or in congregation because of low law enforcement,” Susmana stated. He further explained that a pervasive sense of impatience and a disregard for rules contribute to the problem. “It cannot be denied, there are many drivers who think simply or short-term, even if they have to go against the flow.”
Susmana also criticized the tendency of authorities to view traffic violations,including wrong-way driving,as minor offenses. “Police warning or warning is considered a passing incident. From my personal perspective, this is one of the things that causes the loss of officers’ authority.”
The escalating frequency of these incidents underscores a critical need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and a basic shift in driver behavior to prioritize safety and respect for other road users. The recent events in Bekasi serve as a stark warning of the potential consequences when reckless driving goes unchecked.
Here’s a breakdown answering the “Why,Who,What,and How” questions:
* What: A driver in Bekasi,West Java,drove a Toyota Avanza the wrong way,dragging a motorbike,and was subsequently attacked by an angry mob after a chase.
