Witness's House in Bekasi Regent Corruption Case Burned Down, Losses Estimated in Hundreds of Millions

BEKASI, KOMPAS.com – Police are still investigating the fire that struck the home of S (30), one of the witnesses in the alleged bribery case for project kickbacks involving the suspended Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang. The incident occurred on Jalan Raya Pantura, Kampung Rengasbandung RT 001/002, Desa Karangsambung, Kecamatan Kedungwaringin, Kabupaten Bekasi, on Tuesday (17/2/2026). The Bekasi Metro Police Chief, Kombes Pol Sumarni, stated that they cannot yet confirm whether the fire was an act of intimidation against S as a witness in the corruption case. Sumarni confirmed there were no injuries or fatalities in the incident. However, the victim suffered significant material losses. “However, the victim suffered material losses estimated at Rp 100 million,” she said. In the initial investigation, police have examined two witnesses, namely DMN (43) and DN (36), who are the victim’s neighbours. Based on their statements, the fire was first seen on the first floor of the house before spreading to the second floor. During the crime scene examination (TKP), police found several burnt household items. On the first floor of the approximately 100 square metre house, there was a room with one AC unit and cables connected to a burnt electrical socket. “We also found burnt household items, such as a TV, and the house roof damaged by the fire that spread to the second-floor room measuring 4x5 metres,” she explained. The fire was extinguished after three fire trucks were deployed to the location, consisting of two from Bekasi Regency and one from Karawang Regency. Meanwhile, information regarding the alleged intimidation of the witness comes from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).