Two students arrested for alleged land burning in East Belitung

Authorities in East Belitung, Indonesia, have arrested two 16-year-old students suspected of deliberately setting fire to vacant land. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, August 21, was captured by surveillance cameras and subsequently spread widely on social media platforms.

The viral video shows the two teenagers, dressed in black and riding a motorcycle, stopping at the scene. One of them is seen dismounting and igniting the dry grass on the side of the road in Padang Village, Manggar District.

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Yes, we have received a report from the East Belitung Police Chief. Currently, two teenagers suspected of burning vacant land, which went viral some time ago, have been secured at the Police Headquarters.

Kombes Agus Sugiyarso, head of public relations for the Bangka Belitung regional police, confirmed the arrests. He stated that the suspects were apprehended at their homes on Sunday morning by a special investigation team from the East Belitung Police. The police were able to identify the individuals after investigating the viral video footage.

Both students are currently undergoing interrogation at the East Belitung Police headquarters. Police are using this incident to issue a public appeal, urging parents to educate their children about the severe consequences of land burning. They also reminded the public about the heightened risk of forest and land fires during the current dry season, emphasizing the collective responsibility to prevent such occurrences in Bangka Belitung.

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We also urge the public not to carry out random burning activities, especially now that it is the dry season, which is certainly prone to forest and land fires. Let's protect it together, don't let this incident happen again in Bangka Belitung.