North Sumatra Police Name 2 Suspects in Tribrata TV Journalist's Killing

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The North Sumatra Police have identified two suspects, R and Y, in the fatal burning of Tribrata TV journalist Rico Sempurna Pasaribu and his family in Tanah Karo.

“We have named these two individuals as suspects and are actively investigating the case further,” North Sumatra Police Chief, Commissioner General Agung Setya Imam, said in a press conference in Tanah Karo on Monday, July 8.

He explained that the investigation has yielded crucial evidence, including a gasoline bottle, ashes from the crime scene, and remnants of mixed fuel oil. A motorbike used by the perpetrators was also presented during the press conference.

Agung Setya revealed CCTV footage capturing R and Y's actions near Rico's house in Nabung Surbakti, Kabanjahe District. The footage reportedly showed the perpetrators conducting premeditated surveillance before carrying out the attack.

“They planned their actions and then executed them by throwing or spraying gasoline from two bottles into the victim's house before setting it ablaze,” he said.

Based on the suspects' statement, Agung added, the perpetrators doused the house's exterior and surrounding areas with gasoline, as well as the inside near the victim's room.

While authorities have not yet disclosed a motive or identified a mastermind behind the crime, the burning is suspected to be linked to Rico's prior reporting on alleged gambling activities involving members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) in Kabanjahe.

In addition to the Tribrata TV journalist, Rico Sempurna's wife, Elfrida Boru Ginting (48), their son Sudi Investasi Pasaribu (12), and grandson Loin Situkur (3) were also tragically killed in the fire. “We are actively investigating the motive,” he said.

The suspects currently face charges under Article 187 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or 20 years. The police are also pursuing additional charges against the perpetrators based on any further evidence.

M. FAIZ ZAKI

Editor’s Choice: Press Council Suspects Military Involvement in Death of Tribrata TV Journalist

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News