Malra Police Arrest the Perpetrators of the Burning of the Musala in Ohio Hako

The perpetrator of the mosque burning was arrested by the police/ANTARA/Winda Herman)

JAKARTA - The Maluku Tenggara Police (Malra) arrested the perpetrator of the burning of a building that will be used as a prayer room in Ohoi Hako, Maluku Tenggara Regency.

"As soon as we received the report, we immediately took steps to investigate quickly and accurately. The suspected perpetrator was successfully secured and is currently being designated as a suspect," said Maluku Tenggara Police Chief AKBP Rian Suhendi, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, February 20.

The perpetrator with the initials S.R. alias Soleh is said to have been named as a suspect.

Previously, the burning incident occurred on Wednesday (18/2/2026) at around 10.00 WIT. The building that was burned was still in the construction phase and was planned as a temporary mosque for local residents.

The fire had burned the back of the building, but was successfully extinguished by residents so that it did not spread and did not cause casualties. After the incident, the perpetrator left the location.

The joint team of the Maluku Tenggara Police Criminal Investigation Unit together with the South Kei Besar Police then conducted an investigation until they managed to arrest the perpetrator on the same day.

After undergoing intensive examination, investigators named S.R. as a suspect on February 19, 2026. He was charged with Article 308 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP) with a maximum penalty of nine years in prison.

The Police Chief emphasized that his party was committed to maintaining a conducive public security and order situation, especially before and during the holy month of Ramadan.

"We will not tolerate any form of violence and acts that have the potential to disrupt security and harmony among citizens. Law enforcement will be carried out professionally, transparently, and fairly," he said.