BANDUNG, Legal Literacy — The police are still investigating the tragedy at the thanksgiving event for the wedding of the son of the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, at the Garut Regency Pendopo on Friday (18/7/2025). This incident, which claimed three lives, has triggered public calls for law enforcement to be objective and impartial.
Demands for a Transparent Legal Process
The Daily Chairman of the Garut Community Alliance Against Radicalism and Intolerance (Almagari), Juhendi Majid, asserted on Thursday (24/7/2025) that the public is awaiting a fair legal resolution. He believes that the examination should not be limited to the committee, the Garut Regency Government, or eyewitnesses alone.
“The hosts of the celebration, such as the bride and groom and their parents, should also be examined. The aim is for the legal process to be objective and impartial,” he said.
Juhendi encouraged public oversight to ensure a transparent investigation and urged Garut residents to remain calm and not be provoked by provocative comments on social media. “We must give law enforcement officials space to carry out their duties professionally,” he said.
Police Action: 11 People Questioned
The Head of Public Relations of the West Java Regional Police, Kombes Hendra Rochmawan, stated that 11 people have been questioned, including the committee, victims, members of the Satpol PP (Public Order Agency), and police officers on duty. The next step is to send clarification invitation letters to related parties, including the Assistant for General Administration of the Garut Regency Government, five members of the National Police, the Head of the Satpol PP, and two organizers.
Investigators from the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the West Java Regional Police will also take statements from the victims' parents and residents around the scene. This step is expected to clarify the chronology and legal responsibilities.
Chronology: Crushing at the Pendopo Gate
The incident occurred around 13:00 WIB, when thousands of residents crowded one of the entrances to the Garut Regency Pendopo. The committee provided approximately 5,000 portions of food. Based on videos circulating on social media, more than a thousand people were packed together, making it difficult to move; some residents were even trampled.
As a result of the incident, two residents and a member of the Garut Police died. They were Vania Aprilia (8), Dewi Jubaedah (61), and Bripka Cecep Bahri (39). Another 27 people were reported to have fainted due to lack of oxygen.
Clarification from the Bride and Groom
Maula Akbar Mulyadi—the eldest son of the Governor of West Java—and his wife, Putri Karlina, expressed their deepest condolences.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident. There was no intention whatsoever to harm anyone. We are ready to follow legal procedures in this event,” Maula said on Saturday (19/7/2025).
Maula also stated that the distribution of food was not officially announced. The intention to share arose due to excess food. However, an eyewitness with the initials Dv (31) revealed that residents had been arriving since 08:00 AM because they thought Dedi Mulyadi would be present and there would be a “people's party” with 5,000 portions of food, as he had seen on social media.
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