Police Uncover Roles of Two Suspects in Lombok Santri Burning Case

Police in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, have revealed the roles of two suspects in a burning incident involving santri (students) at the Pondok Pesantren (Islamic boarding school) Rosudatussaulatiyah Al Ibrahimy. The incident, which occurred in Aik Darek village, Batukliang district, resulted in three santri being victims, with one fatality and several others sustaining severe injuries. According to the police, the suspects are Ahmad Muzakki Rahmatullah (AMR), the leader of the pesantren, and MR, a 15-year-old fellow santri. AKP Punguan Hutahaean, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Central Lombok Police, stated that MR, a senior to the victims, is suspected of negligence for not heeding his friends' input and failing to adhere to the rules set by the pesantren's caretakers, which led to the tragedy. "MR's negligence was in not listening to his friends' input and not following the regulations set by the pesantren caretakers," Punguan told reporters during a press conference at the Central Lombok Police Station on Thursday (9/7/2026). Meanwhile, Muzakki was named a suspect for not complying with a circular from the Ministry of Religious Affairs regarding the discipline of pesantren. The police found no specific internal rules mandating strict obedience from the santri. "We have outlined these points, leading to the designation of the juvenile offender and the pesantren manager, who also appointed himself as a caretaker," he asserted. Furthermore, Punguan explained that the pesantren was managed solely by the suspect (AMR) and his wife. MR was also described by other santri and victims as rarely appearing in the pesantren environment, with his wife often stepping in. "During his examination, he stated that he almost never conducted checks or supervision," Punguan added. Statements from witnesses and victims were then cross-referenced with the Ministry of Religious Affairs' circular on child-friendly pesantren management. "Many aspects of this circular were not implemented by the pesantren management," Punguan revealed. Separately, Punguan stated that investigators also found that the pesantren's operational permit had expired in 2021 and had not been renewed. "The pesantren was managed by two people, who did not attempt to recruit or hire others to replace their duties or act as supervisors in the pesantren's management," he stated. He noted that, according to the circular, pesantren caretakers are required to differentiate between childcare, management, and educational staff. Additionally, the circular prohibits female managers from entering male dormitories and vice versa. "However, based on victim testimony, AMR's wife played a significant role in the management here," he said. Punguan mentioned that the police also found other evidence, including a letter indicating that the pesantren caretakers had indeed hired management staff in the past. However, this was not being done at the time of the incident. "This unravels the events as per the articles we have charged in this incident," he concluded. Punguan stated that the two suspects are being charged under Articles 474 paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Criminal Code, facing a maximum of five years imprisonment. They are deemed negligent, leading to the death and serious injury of the victims. "Regarding Tuan Guru (AMR), we have summoned him as a witness, but he is currently unwell, so we have postponed his examination. We will conduct the examination after he receives legal assistance and a suitable medical recommendation," Punguan said.