Wanted for Fish Bombing Case in Sikka Waters Arrested in Lembata

Directorate of Water and Air Police (Ditpolairud) of the Nusa Tenggara Timur Regional Police (Polda NTT) has arrested a fugitive in the case of fishing using explosive materials in the Perumaan waters, Sikka Regency. Polda NTT’s Ditpolairud Director, Kombes Irwan Deffi Nasution, in Kupang on Tuesday (19 May) said the suspect, Umar, was captured by a joint team from Ditpolairud area of Lembata, using the Pulau Solor vessel, and personnel from the Buyasuri Police Sector in Kalikur, Lembata, on Sunday (18 May) at around 20:30 WITA.

The case began on 17 January 2026 at around 16:45 WITA when the Sukur XXII 3007 KPP team apprehended a person involved in fishing using explosives in the Perumaan waters. During the enforcement operation, one suspect, Umar, fled and was pursued but not found at his place of residence.

The case was then handled by Sub-Directorate Gakkum Ditpolairud Polda NTT and elevated to the investigation stage. Investigators also collected several pieces of evidence, including improvised bombs left at the scene. The evidence was examined at Bidlabfor Polda Bali and was found to contain explosive material.

‘Investigators had sent two summonses as a witness to Umar, but he did not comply. On 17 April 2026, Umar was officially named a suspect and was again summoned twice as a suspect, but did not appear,’ he said.

Because of non-cooperation, investigators from Sub-Directorate Gakkum Ditpolairud Polda NTT issued a DPO against Umar on 12 May 2026 and formed a team to pursue him. Umar is known to be a fisherman from Perumaan, Alok Timur District, Sikka Regency.

After his capture, the suspect was brought to the Lembata Ditpolairud Marnit headquarters before being transferred to the Sikka Ditpolairud Marnit for further legal processing by Ditpolairud Polda NTT investigators.