TULUNGAGUNG – Homemade firecrackers in Tulungagung have triggered heightened police vigilance during Ramadan after officers detained five teenagers in separate cases within a single week. Authorities say the minors allegedly assembled explosive devices using gunpowder and other materials, prompting criminal investigations.
In the first case, officers from Tanggunggunung Police arrested three 15-year-old boys in Ngrejo village, Tanggunggunung district. Police acted after residents reported suspicious purchases of gunpowder believed to be intended for firecracker production.
Around 12:30 a.m. on March 1, investigators led by AIPTU Purwanto inspected a house in Jaten hamlet. During the search, officers discovered a significant quantity of explosive materials and tools used to assemble firecrackers.
Police identified the teenagers by their initials DL, RB, and AP. Officers seized 1,500 grams of gunpowder, three kilograms of paper sheets, four rolls of firecracker casings, two bamboo sticks, one cutter, and two adhesive tools. They then transferred the suspects and evidence to Tanggunggunung Police headquarters for further questioning.
Tanggunggunung Police Chief AKP Mujiatno confirmed the arrests. He said officers responded immediately to prevent potential harm.
“We found gunpowder and several materials allegedly used to make firecrackers. The teenagers are now undergoing further investigation,” he stated.
Meanwhile, officers from Sumbergempol Police uncovered a similar case on February 27 in Jabalsari village. Residents alerted authorities at 2:45 p.m., and investigators arrived at the suspect’s home about 15 minutes later.
Police detained a 14-year-old identified as ADA from Ngelo hamlet. During the search, officers confiscated one kilogram of gunpowder, five kilograms of paper sheets, ten rolls of firecracker paper, two pipes, scissors, brown adhesive tape, and a blue Vivo Y28 mobile phone.
Sumbergempol Police Chief AKP Mochamad Anshori said investigators also detained another minor, MFN, 12, who allegedly participated in assembling the devices. Authorities transported both suspects and the evidence to the police station for further legal proceedings.
Police charged the teenagers under Article 306 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code. Investigators are currently tracing the origin of the gunpowder and examining whether other parties were involved.
As homemade firecrackers in Tulungagung continue to surface, police have urged parents to strengthen supervision of their children, particularly during Ramadan. Officers warn that producing and igniting firecrackers carries serious safety risks and can endanger both the users and the public.
Authorities say they will intensify patrols and respond swiftly to community reports to prevent further incidents during the holy month.