MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Medan Kota Police Station has taken into custody a 13-year-old boy identified by the initial "M" in connection with a fire that broke out at the Rumah Adat Batak (Batak Traditional House) on Jalan Sisingamangaraja, near the Sisingamangaraja XII Monument in front of Teladan Stadium, Medan City, on Monday afternoon, June 22, 2026. The incident shocked residents in the surrounding area after the historic building was rapidly engulfed and completely destroyed by flames within a short period of time.
Authorities immediately launched a comprehensive investigation following the blaze. The building, regarded as a cultural symbol of the Batak community, suffered severe damage. Based on initial crime scene analysis and a series of witness statements conducted by investigators from the Medan Kota Police Criminal Investigation Unit, suspicion eventually led to a teenager who was allegedly present near the scene at the time of the incident.
Police Confirm Juvenile Suspect
The Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of
Medan Kota Police Station,
Iptu Poltak M. Tambunan, S.H., confirmed that investigators had successfully determined the cause of the fire. According to him, the suspected perpetrator is a 13-year-old child who has since been secured for further questioning.
"M, a 13-year-old teenager, has been detained," Poltak M. Tambunan said on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Police stated that the swift progress in the case resulted from intensive crime scene processing and multiple witness examinations conducted in the vicinity of the fire location.
Initial Findings at the Scene
Based on preliminary findings, M reportedly came to the area of the Rumah Adat Batak alone prior to the incident and rested there without any specific intention.
At the scene, the teenager allegedly found an empty insecticide bottle of the Baygon brand. Unaware of the potential danger, he began playing with the object.
"M was just playing around and found an empty Baygon bottle. After picking it up, he lit a lighter and sprayed the liquid. He did not realize that it could cause the Batak House to catch fire," explained
Iptu Poltak M. Tambunan.
According to police, the fire may have been triggered by the ignition of flammable substances in combination with an open flame.
Panic After Fire Broke Out
As the flames spread, the teenager reportedly panicked and attempted to extinguish the fire himself. However, his efforts were unsuccessful as the blaze quickly intensified and engulfed the entire structure.
He then fled the scene out of fear and inability to control the situation. Meanwhile, the fire continued to spread and eventually destroyed the entire cultural monument building.
"Subsequently, officers carried out a series of investigations and eventually apprehended M at his hiding place," Poltak M. Tambunan added.
Historic Structure Severely Damaged
The major fire occurred on Monday, June 22, 2026, in the early afternoon. Witnesses reported thick smoke rising from the building before the flames rapidly spread and consumed the entire structure.
Residents were unable to intervene as the fire had already grown too strong. Within a short time, the entire Rumah Adat Batak was completely destroyed.
The incident caused deep concern among the public, as the building holds significant historical and cultural value for the North Sumatra region.
Police continue to investigate the case to fully clarify all circumstances surrounding the fire and to rule out any other contributing factors.
(IDCN)REPORTER: Jhonson Siahaan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala