Indonesian traditional weapons in modern violence: a forensic case series of Three riot victims injured by the ‘sumpit’

Abstract

Background: Lawlessness is common among all walks of life: youth, adolescents, and adults. Incidents such as fights between students, murders, and misuse of traditional weapons are common and can lead to injuries or even death. The involvement of ‘sumpit’(blowgun), one of Indonesia's traditional weapons that are often used for violent purposes, often causes injuries that are very similar to those caused by modern weapons. This makes it difficult for medical and forensic experts to identify and analyze the cause of these injuries. In this study, we present the cases of three riot victims injured by chopstick throwing, examining the different injury patterns, the challenges faced by forensic teams, and the implications for health care providers and law enforcement. Case description: This case series describes three male patients(ages14,16,and19)who presented to the emergency department following a civil riot. All victims sustained penetrating trauma from projectiles launched from a traditional Indonesian sumpit. Clinical and forensic analyses revealed small, deep entry wounds mimicking low-velocity gunshot injuries, complicating initial assessment. Conclusion: Traditional weapons such as sumpit continue to pose a major challenge to medical experts and forensic professionals because the wounds inflicted have two separate but often co-occurring mechanisms: penetrative action and the risk of toxic poisoning. The results of this study highlight the urgent need for greater responsibility on the part of clinical and forensic practitioners, as well as increased public awareness. This study highlights the need for knowledge, preparedness, and ongoing medico legal care for trauma caused by conventional weapons by recording and examining these cases.