inp.polri.go.id - West Bandung. The West Java Regional Police arrested a young man with the initials MSA (25) suspected of assembling firearms and making explosives in the Parongpong area, West Bandung Regency.
West Java Regional Police Public Relations Chief, Senior Superintendent Hendra Rochmawan, stated on Thursday (9/17/2026) that MSA is suspected of playing an active role in a chat group related to extreme crimes.
"Suspect MSA is a member of a WhatsApp group called True Crime Community. His role is not just that of a regular member, but rather a motivator for extreme crimes," said Hendra.
MSA is known to have used the pseudonym "Pseudo Vampire" in the group. Based on the investigation, the suspect shares the topic and tips on making explosives independently.
Police also found digital documentation suspected of being related to explosives testing activities. Based on the investigation, MSA is said to have conducted dozens of test explosions around his residence.
"For high-explosive bombs, the suspect has conducted 16 tests, all of which were videotaped. Meanwhile, for low-explosive bombs, he has conducted around 40 tests," he said.
Head of Sub-Directorate I of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the West Java Regional Police, Superintendent Rikky Aries Setiawan, said that the initial investigation indicates that the suspect allegedly carried out these activities to gain recognition from community members for his explosives-making skills.
During a search of the house occupied by MSA, which belongs to his relative, identified as ER, police seized several pieces of evidence. These included one mortar round measuring 8.8 centimeters in diameter and 44 centimeters in length, 50 blank rounds, and 5.5 millimeter-caliber projectiles and live ammunition.
Investigators also confiscated several chemicals suspected of being related to explosives production, pineapple grenade casings, three homemade firearm barrels, a firearm trigger, a bow and arrow, and several pieces of literature whose connection to the suspect is still being investigated.
Rikky said the True Crime Community group has around 29 members from various regions. The group's activities are also said to be connected to an international network monitored through cyber patrols.
"As soon as the West Java Regional Police's Criminal Investigation Directorate detected his activity creating tutorials and planning criminal acts, preventive measures were immediately intensified," he said.
Rikky said MSA began studying explosive formulas and weapons designs while in junior high school through various YouTube videos.
"The suspect was inspired by previous real-life terrorist incidents, one of which was the pressure cooker bombing in Andir, Bandung City," he said.
For his alleged actions, West Java Regional Police investigators charged MSA with multiple articles, including Article 306 of the Criminal Code concerning unauthorized possession of explosives and firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
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