Ex-Terror Convict Arrested for Arson Attack in Sukoharjo
Indonesian police have arrested a former terror convict identified as 'I', the mastermind behind the arson attack on a food stall in Sukoharjo, Central Java.
Portal Islam 
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A joint team from the Sukoharjo Police and the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Central Java Regional Police (Polda Jateng) has successfully apprehended a man identified by his initial 'I', who was on the police wanted list (DPO). According to reports from Republika and CNN Indonesia on Saturday, November 7, 2026, the arrest is linked to the destruction and arson of a noodle and pork stall located in Parangjoro Village, Grogol District, Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java.
The incident occurred on September 12, 2026. Police moved quickly to develop the case, eventually capturing the suspect in the Surakarta (Solo) area on Friday, November 6, 2026. The arrest was conducted in a humane manner without drawing attention from local residents.
Suspect's Role and Criminal History
Sukoharjo Police Chief AKBP Indra Maulana Saputra explained during a press conference at the Central Java Police Headquarters in Semarang on Saturday (7/11/2026) that suspect 'I' was the mastermind behind the destruction and arson. Preliminary investigations indicate that 'I' was responsible for inciting his associates to carry out the attack.
Previously, police had apprehended the first suspect, identified as 'S', at a house in Sukoharjo on October 19, 2026. Both 'I' and 'S' have documented backgrounds as former terrorism convicts. According to police findings cited by CNN Indonesia, suspect 'I' was directly involved in the attack on the Pasar Kliwon Police Station in Surakarta in 2015.
Legal Proceedings and Further Investigation
To date, the police have named two suspects in the Sukoharjo arson case. However, authorities emphasized that the number of suspects may increase as the investigation and deeper inquiries progress.
In his statement, the Sukoharjo Police Chief noted that suspect 'I' was cooperative during the arrest and is currently being detained at the Central Java Police Headquarters for further questioning, accompanied by legal counsel. The police are still investigating the motive behind the act and the suspect's movements while he was on the wanted list, as the interrogation has only just begun.
Beyond this primary case, the police have affirmed that the legal enforcement process will continue until completion, including addressing various field dynamics professionally and impartially.
يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُوْنُوْا قَوَّامِيْنَ لِلّٰهِ شُهَدَاۤءَ بِالْقِسْطِۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَاٰنُ قَوْمٍ عَلٰٓى اَلَّا تَعْدِلُوْا ۗاِعْدِلُوْاۗ هُوَ اَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوٰىۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ ۗاِنَّ اللّٰهَ خَبِيْرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ ﴿٨﴾
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
Qur'an, Surah Al-Maaida [5]: 8 (Sahih International)
As Muslims, we are always taught to prioritize the principles of justice and peace, and to avoid all forms of anarchy, destruction, and vigilantism that could compromise public order and harm the community.
