Viral Motorcycle Theft Suspect Arrested in Sangkulirang

TIM Enggang Sangsaka from Sangkulirang Police Station, Kutai Timur Regency Police in East Kalimantan, successfully apprehended MI, a motorcycle theft suspect who had gone viral on social media. MI was arrested in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, while attempting to flee to Sulawesi.

Chief of Sangkulirang Police Station Inspector Erik Bastian stated the theft occurred on Saturday, 16 May 2026, at approximately 2:30 AM WITA at Al-Ikhsan Mosque in Benua Baru Ilir Village, Sangkulirang District. The suspect stole a red Yamaha Mio Gear motorcycle belonging to his friend, which was parked there.

“The victim only realised his motorcycle was missing after performing the dawn prayer. The suspect also took the victim’s phone and cash while he was asleep in the mosque room,” said Inspector Erik Bastian on Monday (25 May).

According to investigations, MI fled a considerable distance to evade police. From Sangkulirang, he went to Sangatta and then to Berau Regency. In Berau, the stolen motorcycle was sold for Rp 3.2 million to fund his escape.

From Berau, MI continued to Tanjung Selor and crossed to Tarakan by speedboat. He was reportedly planning to flee further to Gorontalo in North Sulawesi, but was apprehended by the Enggang Sangsaka team in coordination with Tarakan Police’s Mobile Brigade (Resmob) at the harbour front park in Tarakan.

Separately, Kutai Timur Regency Police Chief AKBP Fauzan Arianto praised his officers’ swift response. He stated that the arrest demonstrated the police’s seriousness in addressing public reports, particularly cases that gained attention on social media.

“This success reflects the Kutai Timur Police’s commitment to ensuring public safety. We urge residents to remain vigilant, enhance vehicle security when parked, and immediately report any suspicious activities,” said AKBP Fauzan.

MI and the evidence have now been returned to Sangkulirang Police Station to undergo further legal proceedings as per regulations. (H-4)