Police Arrest Two Tulungagung Pupils Over Suspected Firecrackers Production

Police have secured two underage pupils on suspicion of attempting to produce firecrackers in the Sumbergempol District area, Tulungagung, East Java.

Nanang Murdiyanto, Head of Public Relations at Tulungagung Police Station, stated that the two teenagers, identified as AD (14) and MF (12), are residents of Jabalsari Village, Sumbergempol District.

“During Ramadan, the public is prohibited from igniting, making, or selling firecrackers as they risk disrupting public order and security. Upon receiving a report, officers immediately conducted an investigation,” he said on Sunday (1 March) as reported by Antara.

The case came to light after officers received information about the purchase of materials suspected to be for firecracker production on Friday (27 February) around 15:00 WIB. Police subsequently traced the suspected location.

From an examination at one of the suspects’ residences, officers discovered several pieces of evidence, including approximately one kilogram of gunpowder and other materials suspected to be used for assembling firecrackers.

Police also secured several assembled firecrackers, pipes, scissors, electrical tape, sheets of paper, and a mobile telephone containing conversations related to material purchases.

Based on initial statements, AD admitted he was not alone and was assisted by MF in the firecracker-making process.

Both were brought to the police station for further examination. Murdiyanto added that the case is currently under investigation and being handled in accordance with applicable legal provisions, taking into account their minor status.

Police also urged parents to increase supervision of their children’s activities, particularly regarding the use of potentially hazardous materials.

“We ask parents to supervise their children more closely to prevent them from becoming involved in dangerous activities, especially during Ramadan when firecracker production is common,” he said.