BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - Police in Batam have solved an alleged murder or fatal assault case at a residence in the Wira Mustika housing complex, Sungai Jodoh Subdistrict, Batu Ampar District, Batam City. Police arrested a 28-year-old domestic worker identified by the initials N.H., who is suspected of violently attacking her employer and causing her death.
Barelang Police Chief Kombes Pol Anggoro Wicaksono led a press conference on Monday, August 31, 2026, at around 10:30 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) to disclose details of the case. The press conference was held at the Wicaksana Laghawa Hall on the second floor of the
Barelang Police Headquarters.
Anggoro was accompanied by Barelang Police Criminal Investigation Chief Kompol Agung Tri Poerbowo, Barelang Police Public Relations Chief AKP Budi Santosa, and Unit 1 Chief of the Barelang Police Criminal Investigation Division Iptu Muhammad Hafidh Zulfajri.
The violent incident occurred on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at around 5:00 a.m. WIB on the fourth floor, in the drying area of the Wira Mustika complex, Block D No. 05-06, RT 01/RW 01, Sungai Jodoh Subdistrict,
Batu Ampar District, Batam City.
The victim was a 52-year-old woman identified by the initials L. She died following a series of alleged acts of violence carried out against her by the suspect.
Victim Found Covered in Blood
The investigation began after a 54-year-old informant identified by the initials H.S. was alerted by a domestic worker about the victim's condition on the fourth floor.
After receiving the information, H.S. immediately went to the location. There, he found the victim lying on the floor with blood visible around her head.
H.S. then moved the victim to the second floor of the shophouse where he lived. However, by that time, the victim had already died.
After police were notified, officers from the
Batu Ampar Police operational unit, together with personnel from the
Barelang Police Jatanras operational unit, immediately went to the scene. Officers conducted an investigation, collected statements and followed leads regarding the whereabouts of the person allegedly involved.
The investigation eventually led officers to the suspected perpetrator. N.H. was arrested in the Nadim Raya residential area in Belian Subdistrict, Batam Kota District.
The arrest was made approximately six hours after the incident was reported. Officers subsequently conducted an initial interrogation of N.H., during which the suspect allegedly admitted to the attack.
N.H. was then taken, along with several pieces of evidence, to the Batu Ampar Police Headquarters for further investigation and examination.
WATCH YOUR ATTITUDE AND CHOICE OF WORDS TO PREVENT VIOLENT CONFLICTS:
Barelang Police Chief Kombes Pol Anggoro Wicaksono urged residents to pay attention to their attitude, choice of words and behavior to prevent conflicts from escalating into violence. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Suspect Allegedly Used Several Objects
Based on the preliminary investigation, the suspect allegedly attacked the victim on the fourth floor, in the drying area, using several objects found around the scene.
The suspect allegedly first slapped the victim nine times in the face with her right hand. She then allegedly struck the victim's head with a plastic chair, a bucket and a plastic flower pot, according to police.
The suspect allegedly also pressed the victim's body down with a wooden pallet. The violence continued when she took a kitchen knife and allegedly stabbed the victim approximately eight times in the back and chest.
The suspect also allegedly kicked the victim's head 10 times. The series of violent acts ultimately resulted in the woman's death.
Police subsequently seized several items believed to be connected to the case, including a kitchen knife, plastic chair, plastic flower pot, plastic bucket, wooden pallet, clothing, sandals and a mobile phone.
Based on the initial questioning, police suspect wounded pride or personal resentment as the preliminary motive. The suspect allegedly became angry because her employer frequently spoke harshly to her regarding her work.
Police are continuing to investigate the entire sequence of events to establish all legally relevant facts surrounding the case.
CAREFULLY SELECT DOMESTIC WORKERS: Barelang Police reminded the public to exercise greater caution when hiring domestic workers by checking prospective employees' backgrounds and previous work experience. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Police Urge Public to Remain Vigilant
N.H. has been charged under Article 458 Paragraph (1) of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), in conjunction with Article 468 Paragraph (2) of the same law.
Article 458 Paragraph (1) carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years for murder. Meanwhile, Article 468 Paragraph (2) concerns aggravated assault resulting in death and carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
At the press conference, Barelang Police Chief Kombes Pol Anggoro Wicaksono urged the public, particularly residents of Batam, to remain mindful of their conduct and interactions with others in everyday life.
Anggoro called on residents to pay attention to their choice of words, behavior and attitude when dealing with other people. He said this was important to maintain good relationships within the community while preventing conflicts from escalating into acts of violence.
The Barelang police chief also urged the public to exercise greater caution when hiring or employing domestic workers. Prospective employers should check an applicant's personal background, previous employment history and work profile before placing their trust in them.
Police also reminded residents not to immediately place unlimited trust in people they have only recently come to know. Increased vigilance is important to maintain safety and prevent unwanted developments.
Barelang Police assured the public that proceedings against the suspect would be carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. At the same time, police called on residents to work together to maintain security and public order in their respective neighborhoods.
Members of the public who require police assistance or have information about incidents that could disrupt public security and order can contact the police emergency hotline at 110.
Through the service, residents can submit reports and information to police. Officers can then respond quickly according to the situation at the location and take the necessary measures. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Dalil Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala