Arson Attack on House Suspected to be Hub of Deviant Sect in Tasikmalaya

A video recording showing a house on fire, believed to belong to Saung Taraju Jumantara (STJ) in Purwarahayu Village, Tasikmalaya Regency, has gone viral on social media. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday (1/4/2026). Narratives circulating suggest that the community felt uneasy about the suspected deviant sect, leading to the arson attack. The occupants of the saung chose to leave the premises. West Java Police Public Relations Chief Kombes Hendra Rochmawan stated that the residents’ action, suspected of burning the site believed to teach a deviant sect, took place on Wednesday (1/4/2026). He mentioned that the burning was allegedly due to the owner’s act of religious blasphemy. “The situation has been calmed, and the residents have dispersed,” he said on Monday (6/4/2026). He explained that the owner, initialled K, was previously involved in issues related to suspected deviant sects. Officers are still examining witnesses and coordinating with local religious figures. West Java Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) official KH Rafani Akhyar said he had only recently heard about the information regarding the suspected burning of a site believed to teach a deviant sect. He reminded the public not to take destructive actions such as damaging or burning. If they encounter information about a suspected deviant sect, he urged them to report it immediately to the police or MUI. KH Rafani Akhyar stated that MUI would conduct a study and review. “In conducting the review, there are stages that MUI must go through. First, study their views, summon the individuals,” he said. He noted that MUI’s review involves the study commission and fatwa commission. If the result indicates a deviant sect, they will immediately seek clarification from the suspected perpetrator. If the perpetrator admits and repents, he said, there is no need to report to the police. However, if it is indicated to cause unrest, it will be reported to the police.