Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A chaotic incident involving a foreign national from Africa erupted inside a supermarket at the Kalibata City residential complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, sparking widespread attention online. Videos of the scene have gone viral on social media, with one Instagram post by @fakta.jakarta receiving over 41,000 likes and thousands of comments.
In the footage, the man is seen shirtless and holding a bottle of cooking oil while standing next to a product display. He proceeds to pour the oil all over his body and begins yelling incoherently, drawing shocked reactions from other customers in the store.
The man also reportedly damaged store property during the incident. Security personnel attempted to restrain him, but the situation escalated. In a second video, around 10 individuals — including security guards — are seen struggling to subdue the man, who resisted arrest by throwing bottled beverages from the shelves.
According to local reports, the man may have been experiencing a mental health crisis, possibly related to personal or family problems. However, authorities have not released an official statement regarding his condition or whether any legal action will be taken.
The dramatic footage quickly spread across Indonesian social media platforms, sparking a mix of concern, mockery, and speculation. One Instagram user commented, “Maybe he wanted to get deported for a free ticket home,” hinting at a theory that the disturbance was staged to provoke removal from the country.
Other users focused on the chaos of the scene itself. “Couldn’t help but notice someone bringing a scoreboard and barricade pole,” another user wrote. One comment even joked about the ubiquitous presence of ride-hailing drivers in Indonesia: “Gojek is always there no matter what happens.”
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While the incident has amused many online, it also raises questions about how public spaces handle mental health emergencies, especially involving foreign nationals. Indonesian authorities have not confirmed the man’s identity or provided any updates on his mental or legal status.
The supermarket has not released a public statement either, nor have the managers of the Kalibata City residential complex. It remains unclear whether the man was a resident or a visitor to the area.
In Indonesia, cases involving foreigners can sometimes go viral due to cultural misunderstandings or the relatively small number of expatriates compared to the local population. However, this incident appears to have struck a nerve by unfolding in such a public and disruptive manner.
Mental health awareness and resources remain underdeveloped in many parts of Indonesia, and the situation underscores the need for better support systems — both for citizens and for the international community residing in the country.
As the video continues to circulate, discussions online have shifted from shock to broader debates about how to humanely handle public mental health crises, especially when complicated by cross-cultural factors.
(Raya)
