Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Police have arrested Muh Rijal, a 36-year-old man accused of setting a fire causing house fire that burns 33 homes in a densely populated neighborhood in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The suspect allegedly ignited the blaze in a fit of jealousy after discovering his wife’s affair with a coworker.
“A fire broke out yesterday in Bontoala District, Makassar, destroying around 33 houses. Following an investigation, our team apprehended the suspect last night,” South Sulawesi Police Director of General Crimes, Commissioner Jamaluddin Farti, told reporters on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on Monday, October 28, after Rijal reportedly saw his wife with another man at his in-laws’ house on Laiya Street, where he had gone to visit his sick child. “According to the suspect, the arson stemmed from his wife’s infidelity with another man,” Farti explained.
“They had separated about two or three weeks prior, and when he arrived at his in-laws’ house that night, he wasn’t allowed to see his child.” After leaving, Rijal returned around 3 a.m. and allegedly set fire to a pile of trash outside the in-laws’ residence, intending to draw his wife and the man outside. The flames quickly spread, igniting nearby homes in the crowded area.
“Based on the suspect’s statement, he burned the trash hoping to lure the man out, as he believed his wife and the man were inside,” said Farti. “but our investigation is still ongoing,” Farti Added
Indonesian Textile Giant Sritex Declared Bankruptcy, Once Dominated Textile Products Export
According to Makassar’s Fire and Rescue Department, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after a challenging hour-long effort involving seven firefighting units. The fire burning 33 house, displaced 57 families, totaling 211 people who have now been forced to seek temporary shelter.
Following his arrest by the South Sulawesi police’s Resmob Unit, Rijal was transferred to the Bontoala Police Station for further questioning.
(Raidi/Agung)
