A family celebration in West Java turned into a scene of tragedy when a father, hosting his child’s wedding, was beaten to death following a dispute over extortion money. The incident, which occurred in the quiet village of Desa Kertamukti, has left the local community in shock and sparked an urgent manhunt by regional authorities.
The victim, identified as Dadang, was in the midst of celebrating his child’s marriage at his home in the Campaka District of Purwakarta on Saturday, April 4, 2026. What began as a joyful gathering was shattered when a group of youths arrived at the venue, not to celebrate, but to demand money from the host. The confrontation escalated rapidly, resulting in a violent assault that claimed Dadang’s life.
Local law enforcement has since launched a full-scale investigation into the pemilik hajatan di Purwakarta tewas case, focusing on the group’s motive and the brutality of the attack. Whereas the suspects have been identified, they remain at large as police coordinate raids to bring them into custody.
A Celebration Interrupted by Extortion
The violence was not an immediate outburst but the result of a calculated attempt at extortion. According to family members, the suspects targeted the family twice within a short window of time, using the festive atmosphere of the wedding as a backdrop for their demands.
Wahyudin, the victim’s brother, recounted the harrowing sequence of events. He stated that the group first approached the family and demanded money. In an attempt to maintain peace during the ceremony, the family initially complied, paying the group 100,000 IDR.
Yet, the reprieve was short-lived. Approximately one hour later, the same group returned, this time demanding a significantly larger sum of 500,000 IDR. When Dadang refused to meet this second demand, the situation turned volatile. The refusal triggered a heated argument that quickly spilled over from the celebratory atmosphere into physical violence.
Timeline of the Incident
| Stage | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Encounter | First extortion demand made by a group of youths. | Family paid 100,000 IDR to avoid conflict. |
| Second Encounter | Group returned one hour later demanding 500,000 IDR. | Dadang refused the payment. |
| Escalation | Argument moved outside the reception tent. | Physical assault began. |
| Conclusion | Dadang beaten unconscious; taken to hospital. | Victim pronounced dead. |
The Brutality of the Assault
The violence occurred just outside the wedding tent, separating the horror of the attack from the guests inside. As the argument peaked, the group turned on the family. Wahyudin reported that his brother was swarmed by three attackers, while he himself was assaulted by a larger group of approximately eight people.
The assault was severe enough to leave Dadang unconscious on the spot. Despite the efforts of family and neighbors to rush him to a nearby medical facility, the injuries proved fatal. Medical staff declared him dead shortly after arrival.
Police investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting the attack was not merely a fistfight. During the forensic sweep of the crime scene, officers discovered a piece of split bamboo, which is believed to have been the primary weapon used in the killing. Kasi Humas Polres Purwakarta AKP Enjang Sukandi confirmed the discovery, noting that the bamboo was likely used to strike the victim’s head, leading to his loss of consciousness.
“Diduga ada sekelompok orang membuat keributan di acara hajatan yang kemudian berujung pada pemukulan hingga korban tidak sadarkan diri,” ujar AKP Enjang Sukandi.
Police Investigation and the Search for Suspects
The Polres Purwakarta has treated the case as a priority, recognizing the gravity of a fatal assault occurring during a community event. The Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) is currently conducting a “marathon” series of interviews with witnesses, including family members and residents of Desa Kertamukti who witnessed the commotion.
While the suspects have not yet been apprehended, the police have confirmed that they have a clear lead. Kasat Reskrim Polres Purwakarta AKP Uyun Saeful Uyun stated that the identities of the perpetrators have been established, and teams are actively pursuing them to ensure they face legal consequences for the pengeroyokan (mob violence).
The investigation is now awaiting the final results of the autopsy, and visum. While the evidence at the scene points toward the bamboo weapon as the cause of the fatal injury, officials are adhering to strict forensic protocols to confirm the exact medical cause of death before finalizing the charges.
The Impact on the Community
The tragedy has cast a long shadow over the Campaka District. The act of “pemalakan” or extortion is a known issue in some regional pockets, but rarely does it escalate to homicide during a family milestone. The fact that a father was killed while celebrating his child’s wedding has sparked discussions about local security and the presence of predatory groups in rural areas.
For the family, the wedding has been replaced by a period of mourning. The loss of Dadang leaves a void in a family that was, only hours prior, looking forward to a new beginning for their child. The community now looks to the West Java Regional Police to ensure that the perpetrators are caught and that such violence is deterred in the future.
The next critical step in the case will be the release of the official autopsy report, which will provide the legal basis for the severity of the charges—likely ranging from aggravated assault to premeditated murder. Police have urged any witnesses who may have recorded the incident on mobile devices to come forward to assist in the prosecution.
If you or a loved one has been affected by violence or is struggling with grief, support is available through local mental health services and crisis hotlines.
Updates on the arrests of the suspects are expected as the Satreskrim Polres Purwakarta continues its pursuit. We invite you to share your thoughts on community safety in the comments below.
