inp.polri.go.id - Batam. The Riau Islands Regional Police General Criminal Investigation Directorate, in conjunction with the Lingga Sub-regional Police Criminal Investigation Unit, has uncovered a murder case involving a woman identified as SA alias DA (19), who was found dead and buried behind a rented house in Sungai Lumpur Village, Singkep District, Lingga Regency.
The case was uncovered following a public report regarding the discovery of a mound of earth accompanied by a foul odor behind the house.
"After inspection and excavation, the victim's body was found, which was then reported to the Lingga Sub-regional Police for further investigation," said the Head of Public Relations of the Riau Islands Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Nona Pricilia, on Monday (5/11/2026).
Based on the investigation, she said, the victim was identified as the common-law wife of the suspect, identified as ZA alias JA alias JK (43). The suspect committed the murder by strangling her to death, then burying her body and burning her belongings to cover his tracks.
The Director of General Criminal Investigation of the Riau Islands Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Roni Bonic, stated that after committing the crime, the suspect ran away. A joint team of police personnel then pursued the suspect and finally arrested him in Lumajang.
"The autopsy results show that the victim died from choking her on the neck, which caused suffocation," explained Bonic.
According to Bonic, the suspect is a repeat offender in a murder case and the preliminary motive is jealousy. The suspect is currently being held at the Riau Islands Regional Police detention center for further legal proceedings.
Investigators are applying Article 459 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) concerning premeditated murder, in addition to Article 458 paragraph (1) of the KUHP, which carries a penalty of death, life imprisonment, or a maximum of 20 years' imprisonment.
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