Why Bareskrim Joined Investigation into Teenage Girl Murdered by Boyfriend in Malang

HMZ (17), a teenager from Nganjuk, was found dead in the Kedung Winong River, Jabung District, Malang Regency. It has now been revealed that she was murdered by her boyfriend. The National Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim Polri) has taken a special interest in the case.

The murder case came to light after HMZ’s body was found floating in the river on Tuesday, 17 February. Police initially struggled to identify the victim, as her fingerprints and retinal scans were difficult to detect.

Police conducted a scientific crime investigation (SCI) to identify the victim through DNA testing, comparing the results with family members who had reported a relative missing at the Kedungkandang Police Station. A joint team from Bareskrim Polri, the East Java Regional Police’s Special Crimes Unit (Jatantas), and the Malang Regency Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) successfully apprehended the suspect, YD (22), at a boarding house in Malang City on Sunday, 22 February.

The arrest took place shortly after the victim’s identity was revealed. The perpetrator was a close friend of the victim, whom she had known since December 2025 in Kertosono, Nganjuk Regency.

“The Head of Bareskrim (Commissioner General Syahardiantono) is very concerned about cases involving life, property, violence, or the use of firearms,” said Commissioner Arsya, as reported by detikJatim on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

Arsya stated that the case required swift action. The cooperation between the East Java Regional Police’s Special Crimes Unit and the Malang Regency Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit enabled the rapid arrest of the perpetrator.

“Furthermore, in this case, the victim was a minor. Therefore, swift action was necessary to ensure that the perpetrator could be apprehended and face criminal proceedings,” he emphasised.

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(wnv/jbr)