Buleleng youth burns girlfriend's parents' car in revenge for disapproved relationship

Nengah Sudarta’s (57) Suzuki Futura is now reduced to a charred shell. The cowshed at his home in Banjar Dinas Kawanan, Julah Village, Tejakula Subdistrict, Buleleng, was also completely destroyed. Tragically, a seven-month-old calf inside the shed suffered burns.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday (24 May 2026) around 11:00 PM WITA, was carried out by NA (25), a young man in a relationship with Sudarta’s daughter. NA deliberately set fire to the cowshed and car, allegedly driven by resentment over his relationship being disapproved by Sudarta.

NA has been arrested and is currently detained at Tejakula Police Station. ‘The suspect has been secured and is undergoing further questioning,’ stated Tejakula Police Chief Gede Darma Diatmika during confirmation on Wednesday (27 May 2026).

Diatmika revealed that the fire was first discovered by witness WD, who then informed the victim that his cowshed was on fire.

‘Upon hearing the news, the victim and witness immediately went to the scene to extinguish the flames,’ Darma Diatmika said.

Losses of Rp20 million

In addition to the cowshed, the fire also destroyed a black Suzuki Futura (registration DK 8972 FA) parked in the garage about 40 metres from the shed. A seven-month-old calf also sustained burns in the incident. The victim is estimated to have suffered losses of approximately Rp 20 million.

Darma Diatmika explained that the investigation began with a crime scene examination conducted by police and the forensics team. Evidence collected pointed to intentional arson.

‘Examination of the crime scene revealed indications of deliberate arson,’ he added.

Suspect admits to arson alone

Police then interviewed several witnesses and gathered information from locals and village officials. The investigation pointed to NA as the prime suspect.

‘After interrogation and with two pieces of evidence, the suspect confessed to carrying out the arson alone,’ Darma Diatmika added.

Police seized several items from the suspect, including wooden matches, burned plastic from a Pertalite bottle wrapper, bottle caps, and a concrete stone believed to have been used to break the car window.