TULUNGAGUNG – Police in Tulungagung have arrested a 29-year-old tailor accused of breaking into the local Culture and Tourism Office and stealing government-owned electronic equipment.
Investigators identified the suspect by the initials MUA. He comes from Ngantru District in Tulungagung Regency. Police said he sold several stolen items and later used the money to buy a motorcycle.
The burglary targeted the Tulungagung Culture and Tourism Office, locally known as Disbudpar Tulungagung. Officers received the first report about the break-in on May 6.
Tulungagung Police launched an investigation soon after the report arrived. Detectives later tracked down the suspect and gathered evidence linked to the theft.
Tulungagung Police criminal investigation chief Iptu Andi Wiranata Tamba said the suspect earned around Rp 3.5 million from selling the stolen electronics.
“He bought a motorcycle for around Rp 2 million. He spent the remaining money on food and daily expenses,” Andi said during a press conference on Monday.
Police said the suspect worked near the government office before the burglary happened. Because of that, he understood the daily routines of security guards and office staff.
Investigators said the suspect carefully watched the guards’ activity patterns before carrying out the theft. He then approached the guards and invited them to drink alcohol together.
Police believe the suspect used the gathering to weaken security around the office complex. Officers said the guards later became less alert during the night.
After the situation turned quiet, the suspect allegedly took the room keys and entered the office building. He later returned the keys to avoid suspicion.
“He already understood the guards’ routines. When they became careless, he took the keys, entered the room, and later returned them,” Andi explained.
During the investigation, police recovered several electronic devices linked to the burglary. Officers seized one Axioo desktop computer set, a television, a printer, and a scanner.
Authorities confirmed that all of the items belonged to the Tulungagung Culture and Tourism Office.
Police also stressed that the suspect acted alone during the burglary. Investigators found no evidence connecting security guards or office employees to the theft.
“Based on our investigation, no guards or insiders took part in the crime. The suspect carried out the burglary alone,” Andi said.
Authorities are now holding the suspect at Tulungagung Police headquarters while investigators continue the legal process.
Police charged the suspect under Article 477 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code regarding aggravated theft. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.
The case has drawn public attention in Tulungagung because the suspect targeted a government office and managed to steal several electronic assets without immediately raising suspicion.