inp.polri.go.id - Batam. Police have named three suspects in a clash between two groups over a land dispute on Setokok Island, Batam City, Riau Islands. The clash resulted in two deaths and several others injured.

Barelang Sub-regional City Police Chief, Senior Superintendent Anggoro Wicaksono, stated that the suspects were named after investigators questioned 16 witnesses regarding the clash that occurred on Monday (9/14/2026).

"From the results of the investigation, we have so far interviewed 16 witnesses, and we have named three suspects," he said in Batam on Tuesday (9/15/2026).

The three suspects are identified by the initials RS, P, and SH. Investigators suspect they played different roles in the clash.

RS is suspected of firing more than eight shots at the victim with an air rifle. P is suspected of carrying an air rifle and was seen cocking and aiming the weapon at the victim.

SH is suspected of carrying a sharp weapon. He is also suspected of inciting his colleagues to resist and attack the group that damaged the zinc fence at the scene.

Although three suspects have been named, the police are still investigating to determine whether other parties were involved in the clash.

"We will expand this investigation. If other perpetrators are found, we will process them according to applicable regulations," he said.

Anggoro emphasized that the Barelang Sub-regional Police, along with the Riau Islands Regional Police, will handle the case objectively, based on the facts and evidence found during the investigation.

Barelang Sub-regional Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head, Police Assistant Superintendent Agung Tri Poerbowo, stated that investigators have secured several pieces of evidence from the case.

The seized evidence includes two air rifles, a spear made of wood, and a cell phone belonging to the suspect.

For suspects RS and P, investigators are applying Article 458 paragraph (1) and/or Article 262 paragraph (1) and/or Article 466 paragraph (1) and/or Article 306 in conjunction with Article 20 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP).

Both face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

Meanwhile, SH is being charged with Article 307 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code, which concerns unauthorized possession of a weapon for striking, stabbing, or cutting, and carries a maximum sentence of seven years, and/or Article 246 letter a of the Criminal Code, which concerns inciting another person to commit a crime, carries a maximum sentence of four years.

A clash between two groups occurred on Trans Barelang Road, Setokok Island, Bulang District, on Monday (9/14/2026).

Police said the clash was sparked by a long-standing land dispute. Prior to the clash, the issue had been mediated by the police several times. 

The incident resulted in two deaths and several injuries.

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