Fake Soldier in East Lombok Arrested for Assaulting Girlfriend
A man with the initials RP (22) has been arrested by police for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, identified as HN (22). The man, originally from Praya, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), had been posing as a soldier in the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
Head of Public Relations for the East Lombok Police, First Inspector Lalu Rusmaladi, revealed that HN is currently a student at a university in East Lombok. According to him, the fake soldier assaulted his girlfriend out of jealousy.
“The perpetrator had claimed to be a TNI member stationed in Bali,” Rusmaladi stated on Thursday (25/6/2026).
Rusmaladi explained that the alleged assault began when RP dropped HN off for a camping trip at Kanoha Jerowaru Beach on Wednesday (24/6) evening. Afterwards, RP left HN with her friends at the beach.
“The suspect then saw a social media post from one of the victim’s friends showing the victim with a male friend. Upon seeing the post, the perpetrator became enraged and contacted the victim by phone, leading to an argument,” Rusmaladi detailed.
Driven by jealousy after seeing the post, RP forcibly picked HN up from the campsite. The fake soldier also threatened to cause a disturbance if HN refused to leave.
“Because she was forced, the victim ultimately chose to go home with the perpetrator,” Rusmaladi clarified.
It was during the journey home that RP allegedly assaulted HN, causing bruising. He also threatened his girlfriend with a knife.
“The perpetrator scolded the victim for her actions, then elbowed her with his hand, resulting in bruising on the victim’s arm,” Rusmaladi added.
Unwilling to accept the incident, HN subsequently reported the matter to the police. RP has now been detained at the East Lombok Police Resort after being arrested in his boarding room.
Police also seized a number of items from RP, including a set of camouflage clothing resembling TNI attributes, boots, a combat helmet, two mobile phones, a black rucksack, and a suitcase.