Thursday, 29 October 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - Barelang City Police have solved the suspected murder of a 24-year-old woman identified by the initials SA, who was found dead in a rented room in Sei Beduk, Batam, in the Riau Islands province. A joint investigative team arrested a 20-year-old suspect, identified by the initial A, in Nongsa on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. The arrest came less than 24 hours after police received information about the incident.
Barelang Police Chief Police Commissioner Anggoro Wicaksono led a press conference on the case at 9.30 am local time on Thursday, 29 October 2026, in the lobby of Barelang Police Headquarters. He was accompanied by Barelang Criminal Investigation Unit Chief Police Commissioner Agung Tri Poerbowo, Sungai Beduk Police Chief Police Inspector Ady Satrio Gustian, Barelang Police Public Relations Chief Police Commissioner Budi Santosa, and Deputy Head of Barelang Criminal Investigation Police Commissioner M. Ridho Lubis.The incident occurred at around 10.30 am on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in a rented room at Puri Agung 4 housing complex, Phase 2, in Mangsang, Sei Beduk. Investigators are still establishing the precise sequence of events and examining whether a personal dispute between the suspect and the victim may have provided a motive for revenge.
The investigation began after the landlady noticed a strong, unpleasant smell coming from SA's room. Suspecting something was wrong, she contacted the local neighbourhood head, who then informed officers at Sei Beduk Police Station.
Police attended the scene and coordinated with the identification team, known as Inafis, and the Jatanras unit of Barelang Criminal Investigation. After assessing the situation, officers opened the room using a spare key provided by the landlady.Inside, they found SA lying dead on the floor, with a cloth covering her face. An initial examination also revealed several stab wounds on her body.
Investigators secured the scene, collected evidence and questioned witnesses to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspected murder and identify anyone who may have been involved.
A joint team from the Jatanras unit and the criminal investigation unit at Sei Beduk Police Station followed up leads and checked witness statements. Their enquiries led them to the suspect's reported whereabouts in the Kavling Senjulung area of Nongsa, Batam.
At around 7 am on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, officers went to the location and arrested A, aged 20. During initial questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted stabbing the victim several times with a knife.Investigators believe the suspect entered the victim's accommodation through a window before attacking her. They are also examining whether resentment and a desire for revenge played a role in the killing.
The suspected motive relates to an incident on Saturday, 24 October 2026, when the suspect allegedly felt offended by the victim's words and behaviour as she walked past him. Investigators are assessing whether the resulting dispute led to a desire for revenge and ultimately to the woman's death.However, the alleged motive remains under investigation. Police must verify the statements against the available evidence and other findings before drawing firm conclusions about the circumstances of the case.
Officers also secured several belongings belonging to the victim that were found at the scene. All the items will be examined to support the investigation and help establish the sequence of events.
The suspect is being investigated for alleged offences under Article 459 and/or Article 458(1) of Indonesian Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code.Article 459 covers premeditated murder and provides for the death penalty, life imprisonment, or a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. Article 458(1) concerns the killing of another person and carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
The final determination of criminal liability will depend on the evidence presented in court and the applicable law. The suspect's guilt or innocence will ultimately be decided by the competent court.Barelang Police Chief Anggoro also urged residents to play an active role in maintaining security and public order in Batam. He encouraged the public to report problems and disturbances promptly so that police could take appropriate action.
"Let us continue working together to keep Batam peaceful, safe and comfortable for everyone. Please report any problems within the community to us. Members of the public can use the police emergency number 110. Barelang City Police and our subordinate units will continue to do our utmost to serve the community, because the police will always stand alongside the people," Anggoro said.He added that Barelang City Police would continue to uphold the law professionally while improving their services to the public. Residents were also encouraged to call 110 if they needed assistance or wished to report incidents that could threaten public safety.
The case highlights the importance of responding quickly to information from the public and coordinating investigative efforts. Barelang City Police urged residents to report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities while respecting the ongoing investigation and the presumption of innocence of anyone facing criminal proceedings. (IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
