Friday, 06 November 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - Barelang City Police (Polresta Barelang) have solved a serious robbery case involving the use of weapons in Batam, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia. A 41-year-old Malaysian national, identified by the initials KCL, has been arrested on suspicion of threatening his victim with a knife and an airsoft gun before stealing a car and valuables worth a total of Rp292 million.
The case was announced at a press conference on Friday, 6 November 2026, in the lobby of Barelang Police Headquarters. The briefing was led by Polresta Barelang's Head of Criminal Investigation, Commissioner Agung Tri Poerbowo. He was accompanied by Head of Public Relations AKP Budi Santosa, Deputy Head of Criminal Investigation AKP Muhammad Ridho, and the head of the criminal investigation unit's operational planning section.
In his statement, Commissioner Agung outlined the sequence of events, the suspect's arrest, the evidence seized and the preliminary findings regarding the alleged motive. Police also disclosed the suspected involvement of another man who allegedly sold the airsoft gun used in the robbery to KCL.
The robbery took place at approximately 2.30 pm local time on Thursday, 5 November 2026, along Jalan Borobudur, directly outside the Perumahan Pertamina residential complex in Kampung Seraya, Batu Ampar District, Batam.
The victim, identified by the initials NS, aged 48, reported a financial loss of Rp292 million. In addition to losing his vehicle and other valuables, he sustained abrasions to his right hand during the incident.
According to preliminary police findings, the incident began when NS travelled to Samsat Corner Harbourbay to pay his vehicle tax. After completing the transaction, he went to a Bank Mandiri cash machine before returning to his car to drive home.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when a man, later identified as KCL, suddenly got into the victim's vehicle. The suspect instructed NS to leave the Harbourbay area immediately, giving a particular reason for his request.
NS subsequently drove towards Jalan Borobudur. When they reached the area outside the Perumahan Pertamina residential complex, the suspect launched his attack, threatening NS with a knife and an airsoft gun.
The suspect then demanded that the victim transfer a sum of money into his bank account. Fearing for his life, NS attempted to attract attention and seek help by shouting loudly. The suspect panicked, pushed the victim out of the vehicle and fled with the car and the valuables inside it.
Police said the suspect had initially claimed that he himself had been the victim of fraud. Using this as a pretext, he asked NS for assistance and requested a lift to a police station. However, during the journey, he threatened the victim and attempted to seize his money and valuables.
During initial questioning, KCL reportedly admitted carrying out the robbery because he did not have enough money to buy food or pay the penalties for overstaying his permitted period of residence in Indonesia before returning to Malaysia. This account remains subject to further investigation.
The case began to unravel following the intervention of Briptu Genta, an officer from Polresta Barelang's Samapta unit, who was on duty securing a vital facility at the Bank BCA KCU Batam branch.
While on duty, he heard residents shouting that an individual had fled after allegedly hitting a Polresta Barelang traffic police officer with a vehicle.
Residents also reported that the fleeing individual was carrying a weapon and threatening people in the surrounding area. Acting immediately on the information, Briptu Genta pursued the suspect and eventually apprehended KCL in front of an Alfamart outlet in the Jodoh area.
Traffic police officers on duty at Traffic Post 901 also helped secure the suspect before taking him to the post. The BM patrol team subsequently informed the Head of Polresta Barelang Traffic Police, Commissioner Afiditya Arief Wibowo, about the incident.
The Head of Traffic Police then coordinated with the Jatanras operational team from Polresta Barelang's Criminal Investigation Unit to follow up on the suspected robbery involving violence.
After receiving the report, the Jatanras team went to Traffic Post 901 and questioned the suspect. During the initial interrogation, KCL admitted to carrying out the robbery using a knife and an airsoft gun.
Investigators subsequently expanded their enquiries to establish where the weapon used in the crime had come from. KCL told police that a man identified by the initials RHS, who worked as a security officer at the Bayerina Harbourbay apartment complex, had sold him the airsoft gun.
Based on this information, officers traced RHS and located him at approximately 6.15 pm. During initial questioning, RHS admitted selling the airsoft gun to KCL for Rp1 million.
Following the initial interviews, officers took the suspect and the witness to Barelang Police Headquarters to continue the investigation and pursue further legal proceedings.
As part of the investigation, police seized several items believed to be connected with the alleged offence.
The evidence included a black 2025 Toyota Rush 1.5 S A/T bearing registration number BP 1180 CC, a black LOCAMODE bag and cash amounting to Rp1 million.
Officers also confiscated a Smith & Wesson airgun, five airgun cartridges, a knife measuring approximately 19 centimetres with an orange handle, and an empty CO2 gas cartridge used for the weapon.
KCL is being investigated under Article 479 paragraph (1) of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning Indonesia's Criminal Code (KUHP). The provision covers theft committed through violence or threats of violence against a person, whether before, during or after the theft. If convicted, the suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of nine years.
During the press conference, Commissioner Agung also urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly when inside vehicles and when leaving their cars. He reminded motorists to pay attention to their surroundings and ensure that vehicle doors are properly locked to reduce opportunities for crime.
"Be careful and check whether your surroundings, both to your left and right, are safe. Then lock your car doors immediately. Do not make a habit of leaving your vehicle unlocked or its doors open. These are precisely the opportunities that criminals take advantage of. Crime does not always arise solely from prior intention; it can also be encouraged by opportunities that present themselves," Commissioner Agung warned.
Polresta Barelang reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security and public order and taking firm action against all criminal offences that cause concern among residents. Police also called on the public to play an active role in maintaining public security and order (Kamtibmas) to ensure that conditions remain safe and stable.
Anyone requiring police assistance, witnessing a crime or experiencing a security disturbance can contact the authorities through the police emergency hotline on 110. The service enables members of the public to submit reports and complaints directly to the police. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
