Police Solve Muara Enim Burned Body Case, Ex-Boyfriend Arrested
The Muara Enim Police Resort Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of South Sumatra Police have solved the case of a woman’s charred body found in the Enim River. Within 24 hours of the discovery, police arrested M Ari Pratama (33), the murder suspect and the victim’s former boyfriend.
‘This is an extremely heinous crime where the suspect not only took the victim’s life but also attempted to destroy evidence by burning the body before dumping it in the river,’ said Muara Enim Police Chief AKBP Hendri Syaputra on Friday, 29 May 2026.
The victim was identified as Ayu Puspita Sari (23), a housewife from Dusun II, Parjito Village, Gunung Megang Subdistrict.
The victim had been reported missing for four days prior. The suspect, Ari Pratama, was arrested less than 24 hours after the body was discovered on Wednesday, 27 May.
Muara Enim Police Resort Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Muhamad Andrian stated the suspect admitted to acting out of resentment over the victim’s words.
‘The suspect and victim had initially rented a room at an inn on Sunday, 24 May. The victim requested an iPhone, but the suspect refused, citing her status as a married woman not yet divorced. This refusal led to an argument that escalated into violence,’ explained AKP Andrian.
The murder occurred when the suspect, overcome with rage, pinned down and strangled the victim to death on the inn bed.
After confirming the victim was dead, the suspect locked the room from the outside and returned home around 4pm WIB, taking the victim’s mobile phone with him.
The following day, Monday, 25 May, around 3am WIB, the suspect returned to the inn to cover up his crime. He wrapped the body in a bedsheet, placed it in a large bucket, and transported it in his Honda Brio car.
He then proceeded to Enim Bridge 3. En route, he purchased Pertalite fuel. Upon reaching the riverbank, he piled wood over the bucket containing the body, poured fuel, and set it alight. After the fire died down around 5am WIB, he discarded the remains into the Enim River.
The case came to light when three residents relaxing by the roadside discovered a floating body in the Enim River on Wednesday afternoon, 27 May. The discovery was promptly reported to Muara Enim Police Resort, and the body was transported to Dr H M Rabain Regional Hospital for autopsy.
The victim’s identity was confirmed after her husband and father visited the hospital. They recognised specific physical features in the dental structure. The doctor’s autopsy confirmed the victim died approximately 72 hours before the examination.
Based on crime scene analysis and witness statements, Satreskrim Unit I Chief Ipda Guntur and Team Rajawali swiftly tracked down the suspect. He was apprehended without resistance in Tungkal Village, Muara Enim Subdistrict, on Thursday, 28 May, at 4pm WIB.
The suspect is currently detained at Muara Enim Police Resort with evidence including a red Honda Brio (B-1228-PDA), two mobile phones (Oppo A38 and Vivo Y27s), payment receipts and inn room keys, the suspect’s clothing, and charred wood and fabric remnants.
The suspect faces charges under Article 458 paragraph 3 of the Indonesian Criminal Code for murder and/or violent theft resulting in death. The victim’s body has been handed over to the family and buried in Parjito Village, Gunung Megang Subdistrict.