Saturday, 31 October 2026
JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM - The criminal investigation unit of the Jambi Selatan Police (Polsek Jambi Selatan) has uncovered a suspected case of arson and aggravated theft in Lingkar Selatan, Paal Merah sub-district, Jambi City. Following an investigation into the incident, officers arrested a 17-year-old boy identified by the initials GS at his home.
The investigation began after a report by Agung Hermanto, 32, was registered on 28 October 2026. The fire and the disappearance of the victim's mobile phone occurred on Monday, 26 October 2026, at around 2.30 pm Western Indonesian Time (WIB) on Jalan Nurul Huda, RT 08, Lingkar Selatan, Paal Merah sub-district, Jambi City.The case attracted attention because, in addition to the damage caused by the house fire, the victim also reported the loss of a personal possession. Police subsequently launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspected offences.
According to the police report, the fire broke out while Agung was at work. During his shift, a neighbour informed him that his house was on fire. After receiving the news, Agung immediately returned home to assess the situation.
When he arrived, he found that his house had already been engulfed in flames. Firefighters were at the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control and extinguish it using four fire engines.Once the fire had been extinguished, the victim inspected the condition of the house and attempted to salvage any belongings that could still be used. During the inspection, he discovered that his Samsung A10 mobile phone was missing.
The loss of the phone added to the difficulties faced by the victim following the fire. He subsequently reported the incident to the police so that officers could investigate the cause of the incident and establish what had happened to the missing item.The initial investigation led police to suspect that the mobile phone had been stolen. However, whether another person was involved in the theft and whether it was connected to the fire remain matters to be established through further investigation.
Officers subsequently went to his home and arrested him without resistance. The teenager was then taken to the Jambi Selatan Police station for questioning, with further legal proceedings being prepared.
As part of the investigation, police seized several items considered relevant to the case. These included a Samsung A10 mobile phone, two gas lighters in green and blue, a laptop bag and a fan damaged by fire.Investigators are examining these items to reconstruct the sequence of events more accurately. They must establish how each piece of evidence relates to the reported offences and clarify the teenager's suspected role through witness interviews and further questioning.
As GS is only 17 years old, the proceedings must also comply with the applicable legal provisions governing children in conflict with the law. The legal classification of the case and any alleged involvement must be established in accordance with the relevant procedural requirements. The presumption of innocence must be upheld throughout the process.
Jambi Selatan Police Chief AKP Tarono stressed that his unit would handle the case professionally. Investigators are preparing the required case files and questioning the suspect to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
"We have secured the suspect and the evidence at the Jambi Selatan Police station. We will complete the investigation files and question the suspect," the police chief said.In connection with the case, police referred to Article 308 of Indonesia's Criminal Code (KUHP), concerning arson, and/or Article 477 of the KUHP, concerning aggravated theft, as potentially applicable legal provisions.
The final application of these provisions will depend on the investigation findings and whether the relevant elements of the alleged offences can be established. Investigators must examine the fire, the suspected theft of the mobile phone and any possible connection between the two incidents before completing the case files.The Jambi Selatan Police Chief said investigators would finalise the files for the next stages of the legal process. This forms part of the police's efforts to ensure that the case is handled in accordance with the law.
The investigation also highlights the importance of information and reports from members of the public in helping police address suspected criminal offences. However, the teenager's precise role and the full sequence of events must still be established through the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. (IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
