Linggau Tiger Team Arrests Suspect in 11-House Arson Within Six Hours
The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Lubuk Linggau Police, under the South Sumatra Regional Police, have secured the suspected perpetrator of an arson that razed 11 houses on Jalan Maluku RT 04, Jawa Kanan SS Village, East Lubuk Linggau II Sub-district, Lubuk Linggau City, on Friday (17/7). The arrest was made less than six hours after the incident.
The suspect, identified by the initials M.S.E. (32), was apprehended by the Linggau Tiger Team after investigators processed the crime scene, gathered evidence, and questioned a number of witnesses, which led to the perpetrator’s identity.
Head of Public Relations for the South Sumatra Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, affirmed that the swift resolution demonstrates the National Police’s rapid response in providing legal certainty to the public.
“This speed of resolution shows the National Police’s commitment to responding professionally, measurably, and according to procedure to every public report. We will complete the investigation transparently and invite the public to continue playing an active role in providing information to keep the security and public order situation conducive,” said Nandang in a written statement on Saturday (18/7/2026).
The fire broke out at around 17.50 WIB (Western Indonesia Time) while the house belonging to the victim, identified as R. (57), was unoccupied. The flames quickly spread to neighbouring buildings, eventually destroying 11 houses, with estimated losses of around Rp2 billion.
After receiving information about the suspect’s whereabouts, the Linggau Tiger Team and the Eagle Team of the East Lubuk Linggau Police Station, led by Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Lubuk Linggau Police, First Police Inspector Muhammad Kurniawan Azwar, together with Head of the General Crimes Unit, Second Police Inspector Suwarno, moved to his residence in Marga Rahayu Village. The suspect was secured without resistance and taken to the Lubuk Linggau Police Station for questioning.
Based on preliminary questioning, the suspect admitted to using pertalite placed in a plastic bottle. The fuel was then poured onto the wooden kitchen floor of the house before being set alight with a match. Police also seized evidence including a motorcycle, a matchstick, and clothing believed to have been worn by the perpetrator at the time of the incident.
In addition, urine test results showed the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine. Investigators also found that he had previously been reported in a suspected domestic violence case that is still being processed.
The South Sumatra Regional Police assured that legal proceedings against the suspect will proceed in accordance with applicable regulations. The public is also urged to promptly report any criminal acts or potential security disturbances through the National Police Call Centre 110 so they can be swiftly followed up by police authorities.