Two Arrested in East Kutai for Robbery and Rape of Couple

Two men have been arrested by the Sangatta Utara Police in East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, for a violent robbery and sexual assault. The suspects, identified by the initials A (43) and AA (26), both residents of Tabalong, South Kalimantan, were apprehended on Saturday (18/7).

Sangatta Utara Police Chief AKP Bambang Eko confirmed the arrests on Sunday (19/7), stating the crime occurred on Friday night (17/7/2026) at around 22:00 WITA. The incident took place at the home of a married couple on Jalan Poros Sangatta–Bontang, Gang Manggis, in the South Sangatta area.

According to the police report, the two suspects forcibly entered the house by breaking down the door. The male victim was immediately attacked with a sharp weapon, sustaining injuries, and was then tied up. The suspects then forced the husband to watch as they sexually assaulted his wife. After the attack, the perpetrators fled the scene, leaving both victims with physical and psychological trauma.

Following a police report, officers from the Sangatta Utara Police conducted a swift investigation and managed to secure the two suspects along with several pieces of evidence. Seized items included mobile phones, gold jewellery, cash, two machetes believed to have been used in the crime, bags, clothing, and a motorcycle.

East Kutai Police Chief AKBP Aryansyah emphasised that the case is receiving serious attention due to the severity of the violence. He assured that investigators would handle the matter professionally and transparently, while ensuring the victims’ rights are protected throughout the legal process. The suspects are currently in custody for further examination under the provisions of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.