Motive Behind MI Nglipar Arson Revealed as Revenge for Bullying Case

The arson attack on the kitchen and teachers’ room at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) Yappi, Natah, Nglipar, Gunungkidul was carried out by two sisters. The motive stemmed from one of the perpetrators claiming to have been a victim of bullying.

“The motive was disappointment that led to revenge because the 15-year-old perpetrator had been a victim of bullying by fellow pupils, as well as being struck by a teacher,” said Gunungkidul Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head AKP Tri Hartanto to reporters at Gunungkidul Police Station on Friday (21/8/2026).

Tri explained that the bullying occurred when the 15-year-old perpetrator was attending the MI, precisely seven years ago. As a result of the incident, the perpetrator reportedly did not continue her schooling at MI Yappi, Natah, Nglipar.

“So actually this child used to attend school there, but by the first or second grade she had already stopped going to school there,” he said.

Nevertheless, police will continue to investigate the perpetrator’s confession, given that the statement is still one-sided.

“But that is only a confession for now, and we have not followed it up further. If it proves to be true, we will follow it up,” he stated.

On the other hand, Tri revealed that before the arson there had been a theft of items at the MI. The perpetrator was the 15-year-old girl.

“Revenge, she only expressed revenge, she was annoyed. In fact, she had previously taken several items, one of which was a hijab at the school,” he said.

For information, police have arrested two arson suspects, namely females aged 14 and 15. Both perpetrators are residents of Nglipar.

“We have managed to secure and obtain statements from the suspected child perpetrators. There are two, and all of them are female. They are aged 14 and 15 respectively,” said Gunungkidul Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head AKP Tri Hartanto to reporters at Gunungkidul Police Station on Friday (21/8).

Police also seized evidence in the form of two used mineral water bottles containing leftover diesel fuel, straw, and paper used as burning materials. The straw and paper were reportedly obtained by the perpetrators from around the school.

The arson incident occurred on Wednesday (19/8) at around 06.00 WIB. There were no fatalities or injuries in the incident, but the teachers’ room was damaged because its roof caught fire.