Antara News·Indonesia·Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 07:24 AM UTC

Malaysian held in Batam over suspected armed robbery

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Amandine N, Rahmad Nasution

Batam, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Police in Batam, Riau Islands Province, have detained a Malaysian national suspected of robbing a motorist using an airsoft gun and a knife in Batu Ampar.

Commissioner Agung Tri Poerbowo, Batam police's criminal investigation chief, said the incident occurred at around 2 p.m. local time on Thursday, November 5.

The victim had been paying vehicle tax at the Harbour Bay Samsat office before heading to an ATM, Agung said, adding that the victim was threatened with several weapons.

The suspect threatened the victim with an airsoft gun and a knife, demanded a transfer to a personal bank account, then pushed the victim out after they shouted and stole the car.

Officers who heard the victim's shouts alerted police units, prompting a pursuit that led to the suspect's arrest.

KCL selected the victim at random after seeing them head toward an ATM, he said here Friday, November 6.

The victim suffered estimated losses of Rp292 million (about US$16,100), including the value of the car and the cash they were carrying.

Initial questioning found that KCL, a Malaysian national, had arrived in Batam for a vacation around September 15, 2026.

KCL was staying at an apartment in the Harbour Bay area and had visited Batam three times, each time for vacation, Agung said.

Agung said the suspect had no money to return to Malaysia and therefore attempted the robbery.

Police seized the victim's car, Rp1 million (about US$55) in cash, an airsoft gun and a knife.

KCL faces up to nine years in prison under Article 479(1) of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code.

Barelang Police urged the public to remain alert around ATMs, lock their vehicles and avoid leaving them unattended.

“Please be careful when using ATMs, stay aware of your surroundings and make sure your car is locked,” Agung said.

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