SANGGAU, thekabarnews.com—Police have detained a 44-year-old man after he allegedly attacked his wife with a machete during a domestic dispute in Sanggau regency, West Kalimantan. This incident is now being referred to as the Sanggau domestic violence case.

The alleged assault occurred at the couple’s home in Perimpah hamlet, Sei Tekam village, Sekayam district, at about 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8. The 39-year-old woman suffered an open wound to her forehead. She required 18 stitches at the Balai Karangan community health center (Puskesmas). Authorities are treating the incident as part of the Sanggau domestic violence case.

Police identified the suspect and victim only by their initials, NL and GN, to protect the family’s privacy. Investigators had not announced formal charges as of Tuesday.

According to an initial account that police obtained from a family member, the dispute began after the victim moved a used perfume bottle. Her husband had reportedly been using the container to store flints for a lighter.

Investigators allege that NL became angry, collected a machete from the kitchen and struck his wife on the forehead. As a result, the couple’s adult child and a younger sibling then ran from the house to seek assistance from neighbors and a local community leader.

Residents took the injured woman to the health center for treatment. Police later collected witness statements, medical records and physical evidence as part of their investigation, according to Kalbaroke.com.

Sekayam Police Chief Adj. Comr. Sutikno said officers detained NL at the house to protect the victim and prevent another confrontation. Furthermore, the Sanggau domestic violence case drew local concern.

“We handle every domestic violence report very seriously and professionally,” Sutikno said.

“We immediately secured the alleged perpetrator at the location to prevent further conflict and ensure that the victim’s safety remained our priority.”

Police said they were also considering the psychological welfare of the children who witnessed or became aware of the violence. A community police officer assigned to Sei Tekam will provide residents with information about reporting domestic abuse and obtaining assistance.

“We urge the public never to regard domestic violence as a minor matter,” Sutikno said. “If there is a threat of violence, immediately report it to the police. Family disputes must never be resolved with weapons or physical violence.”

Indonesia’s 2004 Domestic Violence Elimination Law prohibits violence within a household and establishes victims’ rights to protection and recovery.

The law describes domestic violence as a human rights violation and an offense against human dignity, according to the National Audit Agency (BPK).

The case reflects a wider national problem. Indonesia’s 2024 National Women’s Life Experience Survey (SPHPN) found that one in five women had experienced domestic violence. In addition, one in 10 had experienced violence by an intimate partner. The high-profile Sanggau domestic violence case brings additional attention to this issue.

Separately, the government’s SIMFONI PPA reporting system recorded 6,628 female domestic-violence victims in 2024. Officials caution that administrative figures cover reported cases and may not show the full scale of abuse.

People who experience or witness violence against women or children can contact the government’s 24-hour SAPA 129 service by calling 129 or messaging 08111-129-129 on WhatsApp.