Fatal clash between Indonesian silat schools in Taiwan claims one life

CHANGHUA, TAIWAN: In a tragic incident on Saturday evening (2 Sep) local time in Taiwan, a violent confrontation erupted between two Indonesian Silat school factions outside Changhua train station, resulting in the loss of one Indonesian national life and leaving another severely wounded.

According to Taiwan News, the confrontational groups were armed, leading to the subsequent apprehension of 29 individuals by law enforcement authorities.

As reported by kompas.com, the deceased victim has been identified as Fanani (32), a resident of Karanggandu Village in the Watulimo District of Trenggalek Regency, East Java Province.

The other victim, 21-year-old man, sustained critical injuries during the altercation and is currently receiving medical treatment in Taiwan.

Following a comprehensive inquiry, Taiwanese police have also initiated investigations into 15 additional suspects linked to the grave incident, levelling charges of murder, assault, and involvement in a deadly brawl.

Initial police findings reveal that the dispute between the two silat school factions stemmed from a disagreement related to pencak silat training—a traditional martial art originating from Indonesia.

A planned meeting to resolve their differences ultimately escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the investigation, authorities confiscated an array of weapons from the crime scene, including knives, machetes, swords, nunchaku, screwdrivers, sickles, sticks, and various other items.

(Photo: Changhua County Police Department)

Remarkably, within a span of less than 16 hours, law enforcement managed to apprehend the prime suspect in the murder—a 24-year-old individual of Indonesian origin—in Taichung City.

The suspect cooperated with the authorities and led them to a ditch near Jixiang Street in Changhua City, where the alleged murder weapon, a knife, was recovered.

In light of these developments, authorities are set to communicate with the brokers and companies overseeing the migrant workers involved, with the aim of enhancing their management practices.

Additionally, the Indonesian representative office in Taiwan will be contacted to provide support to the victim’s family in making funeral arrangements.