JAKARTA – Indonesian authorities have confirmed that a device delivered by a drone to the residence of an attorney in Depok was a replica grenade, not an active explosive. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at approximately 3:45 AM WIB, is being investigated as a suspected act of terror linked to a land dispute case.
Polda Metro Jaya spokesperson Kombes Budi Hermanto stated on Monday, July 6, 2026, that the determination was made following an on-site investigation by the Brimob Gegana Team and Inafis Team. “Based on the results of the crime scene processing and handling by the Brimob Gegana Team, the object initially suspected to be an explosive material was confirmed to be a grenade-like item or a replica, not an explosive,” Hermanto told reporters.
The Incident and Initial Response
The drone, carrying the suspicious object and a note reading “This is just the beginning,” landed at the home of attorney Novianus Martin Bau in Pondok Petir, Depok. Bau, a legal representative for heirs in the Arjuna HyperBowling land dispute, reported the incident to the police. Police quickly secured the scene with a cordon and coordinated with bomb disposal and forensic teams to assess the device.
Wilson Colling, a colleague of Bau, indicated that the drone attack was part of a series of intimidations following the heirs’ physical re-possession of the disputed land. Colling reported that unknown individuals had visited Bau’s home multiple times in the preceding week, leading Bau and his family to temporarily relocate for safety. The incident highlights the evolving methods of intimidation, with drones now being utilized for such purposes.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Ramifications
Despite the device being a replica, police are continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the alleged terror act. “Currently, the police are still deepening the investigation into the incident, including taking statements from the complainant and witnesses,” Hermanto added. The case has been officially reported to Polres Metro Depok under report number LP/1939/VII/2026/SPKT/Polres Metro Depok/Polda Metro Jaya.
Bau suspects the incident is directly related to the legal cases his team is handling, particularly the Arjuna HyperBowling land dispute in West Jakarta. He has reported the incident as a suspected act of criminal threat under Article 449 of Law Number 1 Year 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. This event underscores the growing complexity of security challenges, where unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are increasingly involved in incidents ranging from surveillance to direct threats, as seen in various global contexts, including FPV Drones: The Unseen Force Reshaping Global Conflict and Defense.
Broader Implications for Drone Use
This incident in Indonesia adds to a growing global discussion about the misuse of consumer drones for illicit activities. While drones offer significant benefits across various sectors, their accessibility also presents challenges for law enforcement and regulatory bodies. Discussions around Indonesia Drone Laws Navigating Aviation Rules are particularly relevant in light of such events, as authorities grapple with balancing innovation with public safety.
The use of a drone to deliver a threatening message, even with a non-explosive device, signals a new dimension in intimidation tactics. This could prompt further scrutiny and potentially stricter regulations on drone ownership and operation in the region. The incident also draws parallels with other instances of drone misuse, from smuggling to acts of warfare, demonstrating the versatile and often concerning applications of this technology.
