Police Raid Livestock Theft Ring in Sumba: Three Arrested, One Deceased

A joint task force from the West Sumba Police has uncovered a livestock theft network that has been active for several years in the West Sumba and Central Sumba regions. During an operation on Tuesday (15/9), three suspects were arrested, while a suspected perpetrator, identified by the initials JT (39), died after being shot while being apprehended by police.

JT died after reportedly resisting arrest by swinging a machete at officers at his residence in Kampung Wai Makapal, Bali Ledo Village, Loli District, at approximately 09:40 WITA.

East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police Public Relations Chief, Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, stated that before approaching JT’s residence, the team had already arrested three individuals linked to the network. “This firm and measured action serves as an important momentum for the police to enforce the law objectively, transparently, and professionally to restore a sense of security and peace within the community,” Henry said in a written statement on Wednesday (16/9).

According to police reports, the arrest operation began around 02:00 WITA. Officers first apprehended ASBL (46) and KY (35). Following initial examinations, police received information regarding the whereabouts of other perpetrators. At approximately 06:00 WITA, officers arrested YKM. Subsequent developments led them to JT’s residence at approximately 09:40 WITA.

During the attempted arrest, JT reportedly swung a machete at the officers. Police fired three warning shots into the air; however, according to police, the warnings were ignored and JT attempted to flee. Officers subsequently took action to neutralise JT. During the encounter, JT fell and sustained a gunshot wound to his right shoulder.

JT was rushed to RSK Lende Moripa at approximately 10:00 WITA for emergency medical treatment. However, at approximately 10:20 WITA, medical staff declared him deceased.

Commissioner Henry noted that the exposure of this network was the result of investigations into three police reports regarding livestock theft cases occurring between 2022 and 2026. Police suspect the thefts did not occur in a single area but spanned across West Sumba and Central Sumba Regency. In several instances, the livestock thefts were accompanied by violence against victims.

One such case occurred on 21 February 2026, in Kampung Waini Haingu, Wairasa Village, Umbu Ratu Nggay Barat District, Central Sumba. The victim, identified by the initials DDH (alias BR), sustained serious injuries after being attacked with a machete. The victim suffered two lacerations to the back of the head, measuring 6 and 8 centimetres respectively, reaching the bone, as well as a 48-centimetre machete wound on the back. Through this series of operations, police secured three suspects: ASBL, KY, and YKM.

Police also seized one male buffalo believed to be the result of the theft. The buffalo was found at ASBL’s house and is currently held at the Loli Police Station.

Henry added that the NTT Regional Police expressed their condolences to JT’s family. The police also stated they had assisted with the external autopsy process, provided a coffin, and escorted the body to the family home.

Henry urged the community, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and families to remain calm and not be easily provoked by unverified information. “We ask for the assistance of all layers of society, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and families to remain calm, not be easily provoked by false issues, and together create a peaceful atmosphere. Please trust the entire legal process to the Police transparently,” he said.