Three Arson Attacks by Hooded Man Target Bandung and Cimahi
Three separate locations in Bandung and Cimahi, West Java, have been targeted in suspected arson attacks by an unidentified man since the end of last week. The perpetrator, described as wearing a black hooded jacket or sweater and carrying a backpack, struck in the early hours of the morning. Fortunately, the fires at all three locations were extinguished by residents before they could spread significantly. CCTV footage of the attempts has since gone viral on social media.
The first incident occurred on Friday (31/7) in Cimahi, where the man set fire to a street vendor’s cart stored in a row of shop houses on Jalan Ria. The cart, covered with a blue tarpaulin and belonging to a meatball, dim sum, and fried chicken seller, was set alight but did not burn completely. Cimahi Police Public Relations Head, First Inspector Gofur Supangkat, confirmed the information had been received and an investigation, including a crime scene examination, was underway.
A second attack took place in the early hours of Sunday (2/8) in the Maleber sub-district of Andir, Bandung, an area bordering Cimahi. The target was a Red and White national flag installed in front of a resident’s house. CCTV footage showed the hooded man igniting the flag with a gas lighter before fleeing. Andir Police Chief, Chief Police Inspector Triyono Raharja, stated that an investigation is ongoing and police are gathering evidence and witness statements. The homeowner, Mia, expressed relief that a passing resident managed to extinguish the flames before they reached her house.
The most recent incident occurred on Tuesday (4/8) around 2:40 AM WIB in the Karasak area of Astanaanyar, central Bandung. A man matching the same description set fire to a building, causing a blaze that required intervention from the Bandung Fire and Rescue Service. Astanaanyar Police Chief, Chief Police Inspector Fetrizal, confirmed the incident and stated that the perpetrator is suspected to be the same individual responsible for the previous attacks. The building owner has filed an official police report.