Student Who Attacked Female Student in Riau Faces New Criminal Code, Risks 12 Years in Prison

Police have secured a student, identified as R (21), after he attacked a female student from the Sultan Syarif Kasim Islamic University (UIN Suska), F (23), ahead of her thesis defence in Pekanbaru, Riau. The perpetrator will be charged under the new Criminal Code, facing a potential 12-year prison sentence.

“We have applied Law Number 1 of 2023, Article 469, which carries a 12-year prison sentence, and the suspect has been detained to be held accountable for his actions,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Riau Police, Commissioner Zahwani Pandra Arsyad, in Pekanbaru, Thursday (26/2/2026).

The bloody incident occurred around 08:30 WIB. The victim was preparing for her thesis defence on the 2nd floor of the Faculty of Sharia Law.

“The perpetrator immediately approached the victim and caused injuries,” he said.

The Perpetrator’s Actions Were Premeditated

Commissioner Pandra said the perpetrator had intended to attack the victim. The perpetrator was known to have brought a machete and an axe at the time.

“The perpetrator, R, deliberately intended to commit the assault by bringing a machete and an axe,” explained Pandra.

Thanks to the swift action of the students and security personnel, the perpetrator was immediately secured. Meanwhile, the victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The victim suffered lacerations to the head and arm. She is currently in stable condition and remains hospitalised.

Motive for the Attack

Commissioner Pandra revealed that the victim and perpetrator had a close relationship. The initial suspicion is that the perpetrator attacked the victim due to resentment and hurt feelings.

“We will continue to investigate the motive. It is clear that the perpetrator had the intention to commit the assault with the background of resentment and hurt feelings,” said Pandra.