Love Not Approved: Buleleng Youth Burns Girlfriend's Parents' Car and Cowshed

A 25-year-old man identified as NA was arrested by police after allegedly setting fire to a cowshed and a vehicle belonging to a resident in Julah Village, Tejakula Subdistrict, Buleleng Regency. The arson is believed to have been motivated by resentment over his relationship not being approved by the victim’s daughter.

Police Chief of Tejakula, AKP Gede Darma Diatmika, stated the incident occurred on Sunday, 24 May 2026, around 23:00 WITA at Banjar Dinas Kawanan, Julah Village. “The suspect has been detained and is currently undergoing further questioning,” he said when questioned on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

The victim, Nengah Sudarta (57), was informed of the fire by a witness, WD, who alerted him that his cowshed was ablaze. “Upon receiving the information, the victim and the witness immediately went to the scene to extinguish the flames,” Darma Diatmika explained.

In addition to the cowshed, a black Suzuki Futura with registration plate DK 8972 FA parked in the garage about 40 metres from the cowshed was also engulfed in flames. A seven-month-old calf sustained burns in the incident, with estimated damages totalling approximately Rp20 million.

Darma Diatmika explained that the investigation began with a crime scene examination conducted by police alongside the forensic team. Evidence gathered pointed to intentional arson. “The crime scene examination revealed signs of deliberate fire-setting,” he said.

Police then interviewed witnesses and gathered information from local residents and village officials. The investigation led to NA as the prime suspect. “After interrogation and with two pieces of evidence, the suspect confessed to committing the arson alone,” Darma Diatmika added.

Police seized several items from the suspect, including wooden matches, burned plastic wrappers from Pertalite bottles, bottle caps, and a concrete stone believed to have been used to shatter the car’s windows.