Update: As reported by AFP, a hospital spokesman where Wiranto is being treated said the minister suffered two deep wounds but was conscious and in stable condition, adding that he would be rushed to Jakarta and may need surgery.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto survived what appears to be an assassination attempt today, when he was attacked by an assailant wielding a sharp weapon during an official visit to Pandeglang, West Java.
According to reports and based on video footage of the incident that have circulated on social media, Wiranto was just stepping out of his car and greeting a police officer when a man wearing a dark t-shirt walked up from behind him, before lunging at the retired military general intending to stab him with an as-of-yet unidentified small sharp object.
In a flash, Wiranto fell to the ground while his aides and security detail pushed back the assailant.
Police were able to confirm that a police precinct chief, who was near Wiranto when he was attacked, was stabbed in his back.
“There was a stabbing attempt [on Wiranto], but the police chief got stabbed,” National Police Spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said this afternoon, as quoted by Detik.
Local media have reported that Wiranto was wounded in his stomach based on photos showing his bandaged torso while receiving medical attention that have circulated online, though the police have yet to confirm this.
The National Police said that the assailant and his wife were arrested immediately after the attack on Wiranto.
“They are suspected of being influenced by ISIS,” Dedi said.
We’ll update this developing story as more information becomes available.
