Associate of 'Piche Kota', a Suspect in the Rape of a High School Student in Belu, Detained

Police have detained Roy Mali (21), one of the suspects in the rape of a high school student in Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). In this case, Roy, along with Indonesian Idol contestant Petrus Yohannes Debrito Armando Jaga Kota, alias ‘Piche Kota’, and Rifal Sila, have been named as suspects.

“He has been detained at the Belu Police,” said the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Belu Police, AKP Rachmat Hidayat, to detikBali, Wednesday (February 25, 2026).

Rachmat explained that Roy Mali was detained after being questioned as a suspect on Wednesday afternoon. During the questioning, Roy was asked 24 questions and admitted to all his actions without objection and was cooperative.

“We will examine him again to add a few more questions. He was also accompanied by his lawyer. He was also cooperative and honest about all his actions,” said Rachmat.

Previously, Roy Mali was arrested by police in Timor Leste. Roy is a friend of the Indonesian Idol contestant, Petrus Yohannes Debrito Armando Jaga Kota, alias ‘Piche Kota’, who is also a suspect in the same case.

“Today, the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Belu Police coordinated with the authorities in Timor Leste and has arrested RM (Roy Mali). RM is scheduled to be handed over from the Class II TPI Atambua Immigration Office to the Belu Police tomorrow,” said Rachmat in Kupang City, NTT, Monday (February 23).

(dpw/dpw)