TULUNGAGUNG – A TNI soldier minimarket burglary case has come to light in Tulungagung after authorities identified an Indonesian Army member as the suspect behind a series of break-ins targeting convenience stores in the region.
Military officials confirmed that the suspect is Serda AM, a non-commissioned officer assigned to the Pakel Military District Command (Koramil Pakel) under the Tulungagung Military District Command (Kodim 0807).
Commander of Kodim 0807/Tulungagung Lt. Col. Arh Hanny Galih Satrio acknowledged the alleged involvement of the soldier and issued an apology to the public.
“We apologize to the community and the parties affected by this incident,” Hanny said.
Police from Tulungagung Police arrested the suspect while he allegedly attempted to break into an Alfamart store in Kutoanyar Village, Tulungagung District.
Investigators have not questioned the suspect yet. He is receiving treatment at Bhayangkara Hospital Tulungagung after suffering a mild concussion.
Officers from Subdenpom V/1-6 Tulungagung, a military police unit, are guarding him during treatment. The investigation remains ongoing, authorities have not confirmed the number of crime scenes linked to the suspect.
“We cannot confirm the number of locations yet because investigators have not questioned the suspect,” Hanny said.
However, preliminary information suggests the suspect may have targeted around six minimarkets in Tulungagung and Trenggalek.
Military officials also revealed that the soldier had faced a similar case before. In 2024, a military court sentenced Serda AM to eight months in prison for a theft case in Trenggalek.
He completed the sentence and left prison in early 2025. About six months ago, he returned to duty at Koramil Pakel. Hanny said the military unit could not dismiss the soldier after the earlier conviction.
“As far as I know, he served eight months in prison. However, the Military Court did not order his dismissal,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. CZI Yudo Aji Susanto, Deputy Head of Information of Kodam V/Brawijaya, confirmed the report.
“It is true that a TNI Army member is suspected of stealing from several minimarkets in Tulungagung and Trenggalek,” Yudo said in a written statement.
The suspect remains under medical treatment, while military police officers continue to monitor him closely.
Authorities plan to question him once his condition improves. After that, investigators will transfer the case to the Military Police Detachment (Denpom) in Madiun.
Officials said the military will handle the case transparently and follow legal procedures.