BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - Barelang Police, working alongside the Jatanras investigative team of the Riau Islands Regional Police, have arrested a 27-year-old man suspected of stealing a Fore Face Buddha statue, also known as the Four-Faced Deity, from the SHAN FO TANG MIAO place of worship, commonly referred to as the Small Vihara, at Ruko Baloi Point, Block B2, No. 12, Lubuk Baja District, Batam, Riau Islands.
The suspect, identified by the initials VH alias O, was arrested following a series of investigations prompted by information received from members of the public. Police also seized several items believed to be connected with the alleged theft.
The case highlights police efforts to safeguard places of worship and protect the local community. Barelang Police announced the development on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
CCTV Footage Reveals the Theft
The alleged theft took place on Sunday, 11 October 2026, at approximately 10.33 am Western Indonesian Time, at SHAN FO TANG MIAO, located at Ruko Baloi Point, Block B2, No. 12, Lubuk Baja District, Batam.
The victim, identified by the initials AS, a 47-year-old businessman, first learnt that the statue had gone missing after receiving information from a member of the congregation. The individual told him that the Fore Face Buddha statue, or Four-Faced Deity, was no longer at its designated place inside the house of worship.
Upon receiving the information, AS immediately checked the recordings from the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at the premises. The footage showed a man wearing a black hoodie, shorts and a helmet entering the place of worship.
The man was then seen lifting the Fore Face Buddha statue with both hands before carrying it out of the building. The CCTV recordings documented the sequence of events and subsequently provided investigators with important leads.
The victim also reviewed CCTV footage from his own commercial premises. The recordings showed a man running towards the Baloi Mas Housing Complex while carrying the statue.
After confirming that his statue had disappeared, AS reported the incident to the police. His report prompted officers to launch an investigation to identify and locate the person suspected of taking the religious artefact.
CCTV FOOTAGE HELPS POLICE INVESTIGATE TEMPLE THEFT: Police examined CCTV recordings after the victim reported the missing statue. The footage showed a man carrying the statue out of the place of worship. (PHOTO: Barelang Police)
Jatanras Team Tracks Down the Suspect
The investigation made progress when the Jatanras team of the Riau Islands Regional Police received information from members of the public on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at approximately 9 am. The information concerned a man identified by the initials VH alias O, who was suspected of involvement in the theft.
The man was reportedly staying in an informal residential area behind the Putra Jaya Cluster D Housing Complex, RT/RW 06/15, Tanjung Uncang Subdistrict, Batu Aji District, Batam.
Following up on the information, the Jatanras team worked with operational officers from the Criminal Investigation Unit of Lubuk Baja Police Station to search the surrounding area.
The operation proved successful. At approximately 12.50 pm on the same day, officers located and arrested VH alias O in the informal residential area behind the Putra Jaya Cluster D Housing Complex, Tanjung Uncang Subdistrict, Batu Aji District, Batam.
The suspect and several pieces of evidence were subsequently taken to Lubuk Baja Police Station for questioning and further legal proceedings.
The items seized included a Sandisk USB flash drive, a grey hoodie, a black T-shirt, a photocopy of the purchase receipt for the Fore Face Buddha statue, valued at Rp19.8 million, and a black helmet.
JOINT POLICE TEAM ARRESTS THEFT SUSPECT: The Jatanras team of the Riau Islands Regional Police, together with Lubuk Baja Police Criminal Investigation officers, arrested VH alias O in Tanjung Uncang, Batu Aji District, Batam. (PHOTO: Barelang Police)
Suspect Faces Up to Seven Years in Prison
In handling the case, investigators have invoked Article 477, Paragraph (1), letter a, of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), which covers theft under aggravating circumstances.
The provision carries a maximum sentence of seven years' imprisonment or a fine of up to Category V. However, investigators are continuing to question the suspect and examine the case in greater detail in accordance with applicable legal procedures.
Barelang Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief, Police Commissioner Agung, said investigators were continuing their examination and further investigation of the case.
"For his alleged actions, the suspect is charged under Article 477, Paragraph (1), letter a, of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), relating to theft under aggravating circumstances, which carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years or a fine of up to Category V. Investigators are continuing their examination and further investigation of the case in accordance with the applicable legal provisions," said Criminal Investigation Unit Chief Police Commissioner Agung.
Meanwhile, Barelang Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and take steps to improve security in their neighbourhoods, including at places of worship and public facilities. Residents were also encouraged to report any criminal activity or disturbances to public order to the police without delay.
Members of the public can contact the free 110 Police Service to request prompt assistance. The service provides an accessible channel for reporting incidents and seeking police support when necessary.
Barelang Police reaffirmed their commitment to providing public services, protection and assistance to the community, with the aim of maintaining a safe and orderly environment throughout Batam. (IDNC)
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Dalil Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala