Online Motorcycle Taxi Driver Arrested in Kidnapping and Murder of 7-Year-Old Boy, Demanded Rp200 Million Ransom

Online Motorcycle Taxi Driver Arrested in Kidnapping and Murder of 7-Year-Old Boy, Demanded Rp200 Million Ransom

Sangatta, East Kalimantan, June 4, 2026 - Police have solved the kidnapping and murder case of a 7-year-old boy, Muhammad Royyan Prasetyo, which shocked residents across Kutai Timur Regency. The suspect, identified as MY (32), an online motorcycle taxi driver, has been arrested and is currently in police custody.

The incident began on June 1, 2026, when Royyan was reported missing while playing near his home in the Sangatta Utara area of Kutai Timur. Concerned family members immediately searched for the child and later reported his disappearance to authorities after he could not be located.

During the investigation, the victim's family reportedly received threats accompanied by a ransom demand of Rp200 million. The demand was written on a piece of cardboard left for the family. Investigators launched an intensive operation to identify the suspect and locate the missing child.

A joint team from the East Kalimantan Regional Police and Kutai Timur Police successfully arrested MY in the West Balikpapan area on the evening of June 2, 2026. During initial questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted to kidnapping the child in an attempt to obtain ransom money from the victim's family.

The family's hope of finding Royyan alive was shattered when the child's body was discovered on June 3, 2026, behind the Al-Falah Grand Mosque in the Bukit Pelangi area of Sangatta. The discovery plunged the victim's family and local community into deep mourning.

According to investigators, the crime was allegedly planned in advance. Police stated that the suspect had previously transported the victim's father as a passenger through an online motorcycle taxi service and was aware of the family's financial condition. Investigators believe this information may have motivated the suspect to target Royyan for kidnapping.

Authorities also seized several pieces of evidence, including the motorcycle allegedly used during the crime, an online motorcycle taxi jacket and helmet, and pieces of cardboard containing threats and ransom demands.

The Director of General Criminal Investigation of the East Kalimantan Regional Police stated that the primary motive is believed to be financial difficulties and debt-related pressures faced by the suspect. However, investigators continue to explore whether additional motives may have contributed to the crime.

The suspect has been charged under multiple provisions related to child kidnapping and murder. If convicted, he could face the maximum penalties available under Indonesian law, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.

The tragic case has sparked widespread public attention and serves as a reminder for parents to closely supervise their children, particularly when they are playing outside the home. Authorities have also urged members of the public to immediately report any suspicious activities that could threaten the safety of children within their communities.

The heartbreaking incident has generated an outpouring of sympathy and condolences for the victim's family as they mourn the loss of their young son.