Journalist Injured in Brutal Armed Robbery on Jalinsum in Labuhanbatu

LABUHANBATU | INDATANEWS.COM ~ A violent robbery case has once again shocked Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra. Journalist Aliyasil Sagala (38) became a victim of a brutal attack on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at around 00:30 a.m. local time along the Trans-Sumatra Highway (Jalinsum) in Kampung Baru Village, Bilah Barat District.

Sudden Night Attack on Jalinsum

According to the victim, the incident occurred while he was traveling from Rantauprapat toward Kota Batu. Without any warning, the perpetrator approached from the opposite direction and immediately struck him with a wooden stick.

"Without saying anything, the attacker directly hit me," Aliyasil Sagala said on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The force of the blow caused him to fall and briefly lose consciousness, allowing the attacker to freely take his belongings.

Stolen Motorcycle and Severe Injuries

During the robbery, the suspect stole a Yamaha NMAX motorcycle, an OPPO A57 smartphone, and Rp220,000 in cash. The total estimated loss is around Rp20 million.

Beyond the material damage, the journalist suffered serious injuries, including a fractured left arm caused by the violent assault.

Police Investigation and Public Concerns

The case has been officially reported under police report number LP/B/596/IV/2026/SPKT/Polres Labuhanbatu, classified as aggravated theft with violence under Article 479 of Indonesia's Criminal Code (Law No. 1/2023).

The public is now urging law enforcement authorities to act swiftly and decisively.

"Please handle this as quickly as possible," the victim briefly stated.

Journalist Solidarity and Road Safety Issues

Fellow journalists have also voiced strong concerns. Habibi, a colleague of the victim, described the incident as a serious warning for security conditions in Labuhanbatu.

"Investigators must not work formally only. The perpetrators must be thoroughly pursued, including tracking the stolen motorcycle and escape route," he emphasized.

He also noted that an attack on a journalist reflects broader public safety concerns in the region.

The Trans-Sumatra Highway is a vital economic route, but at night it is increasingly perceived as a crime-prone area due to limited surveillance. The public is now calling for intensified "blue light" patrols, especially between midnight and early morning hours.

Aliyasil Sagala is currently undergoing medical treatment. Despite his physical recovery, he continues to face psychological distress while hoping for justice.

"I hope there will be no more victims," he said.

That hope is now directed toward authorities to ensure long-term safety along Jalinsum. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala