JAVASATU.COM- A fatal altercation over a toilet queue at a café in Bulupitu, Gondanglegi District, Malang Regency, ended in the death of a 25-year-old man, Ahmad Husaini, on Friday night (May 16, 2025).
The victim, a resident of Kademangan Village, Pagelaran, was stabbed 20 times by fellow café visitor Muhammad Fikri, also known as “Boker,” aged 26.
According to Malang Police Chief, AKBP Danang Setiyo, the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. when both men were drinking Balinese liquor with friends on the upper floor of the café. The conflict began when Husaini became impatient waiting for the restroom, which was occupied by Fikri.
“The victim knocked on the toilet door, triggering a verbal dispute. Once the suspect exited, the victim slapped him on the left cheek. The suspect, already carrying a knife, retaliated by stabbing him four times,” Danang stated on Friday (May 23, 2025).
Despite being injured, Husaini attempted to flee to the car wash area beneath the café. However, Fikri chased him down and inflicted more than a dozen additional stab wounds.
“There were 20 stab wounds in total — on the back, thighs, shoulders, torso, and head. The victim died at the scene from severe blood loss,” confirmed AKP Muchammad Nur, head of the Malang Police Criminal Investigation Unit.
Following the attack, Fikri fled toward the Ketapang dam, where he washed his hands and the knife in the river. He then went to his brother’s house and surrendered to Gondanglegi Police the following night.
The café owner reportedly panicked and attempted to clean the blood at the crime scene, while other witnesses fled. Police have secured a 30 cm knife, bloodstained clothing, and four bottles of Balinese liquor as evidence. Ten witnesses have been questioned, and CCTV footage has been collected to support the investigation.
The suspect is facing charges under Article 338 of the Indonesian Criminal Code for murder and Article 351(3) for aggravated assault resulting in death, carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
“This case should serve as a reminder to resolve disputes peacefully,” said Police Chief Danang. “We will intensify patrols and crack down on illegal liquor in the area. Let this be the last such incident. Violence over trivial matters must stop.”
(Reporting: Agung Baskoro – Editing: Arif. S)