West Java Regional Police Apprehend Youth Involved in Manufacturing Firearms and Explosives
Bandung (ANTARA) - The West Java Regional Police have apprehended a young man, identified by the initials MSA (25), who is suspected of actively assembling firearms and producing explosives in the Parongpong area, West Bandung Regency.
The Head of Public Relations for the West Java Regional Police, Kombes Pol Hendra Rochmawan, stated in Bandung on Thursday that the disclosure of this case is a follow-up to Police Report Number LP/A/119/IX/2026/SPKT Ditreskrimum Polda Jabar dated 10 September 2026.
“The suspect, MSA, was part of a WhatsApp group named ‘True Crime Community’. His role was not merely that of an ordinary member, but rather that of an extreme crime motivator,” said Hendra.
According to him, MSA used the pseudonym “Pseudo Vampire” within the group and is suspected of sharing materials regarding the DIY manufacture of explosives.
Based on investigation results and secured digital documentation, the suspect has reportedly conducted at least 56 tests of improvised bombs around his residence.
“For high-explosive types, the suspect has conducted 16 tests, all of which were recorded on video. For low-explosive types, approximately 40 trials have been conducted,” he added.
The Head of Sub-directorate I of the West Java Regional Police Criminal Investigation Directorate, AKBP Rikky Aries Setiawan, stated that initial examinations suggest these activities were likely carried out to gain recognition from community members as an expert in explosive manufacturing.
During a search of the house occupied by the suspect—which belongs to a relative identified as ER—police seized several pieces of evidence, including one 8.8-centimetre diameter mortar ammunition with a length of 44 centimetres, 50 blank cartridges, as well as projectiles and live 5.5mm calibre ammunition.
Investigators also seized 13 types of chemicals suspected of being used for making explosives, pineapple grenade casings, three improvised firearm barrels, one firearm trigger, a bow and arrow, and various literature currently being investigated for potential links to the suspect’s ideological orientation.
Rikky noted that the ‘True Crime Community’ group consists of approximately 29 members from various regions and is connected to international networks monitored through cyber patrols.
“The suspect, MSA, used the pseudonym ‘Pseudo-Vampire’. Once the West Java Criminal Investigation Directorate team detected activities involving tutorials and criminal plans, preventive measures were immediately intensified,” he said.
Rikky further stated that the suspect began studying explosive formulas and firearm designs during junior high school through various YouTube videos.
“The suspect was inspired by real-life past terrorist events, including the ‘pot bomb’ incident in Andir, Bandung City,” he noted.
For his actions, West Java investigators are charging MSA with multiple articles, including Article 306 of the Criminal Code regarding the unlawful possession of explosives and firearms, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.