September 19, 2026 | 05:49 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Java Regional Police apprehended a college student, MSA, for alleged creation and dissemination of tutorials for explosives and firearms assembly on social media.
The student was a member of the WhatsApp group 'True Crime Community,' according to the police's head of public relations, Grand Commissioner Hendra Rochmawan. "He serves as a motivator for extreme crimes," Hendra said in a written statement on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Under the pseudonym "Pseudo Vampire," MSA was active in sending tips for making explosives and firearms to members of the WhatsApp group.
Not only sharing the tutorials, MSA reportedly tested the results of his own concoction. "The suspect aimed to be regarded and recognized as an expert," said Hendra.
Based on police investigation, MSA was found to have conducted at least 40 tests with low-explosive materials. "For high-explosive bombs, the suspect has conducted 16 tests," said Hendra.
Head of Sub-Directorate I of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the West Java Regional Police, Superintendent Rikky Aries Setiawan, said the suspect had been studying the formula for explosive materials and firearm assembly since junior high school.
Rikjy said MSA was self-taught through various tutorial videos on YouTube. "Inspired by previous real terror events, one of them being the pressure cooker bombing in Andir, Bandung," Rikky said.
Later on, the suspect joined the 'True Crime Community' group alongside 28 other members from various regions, whose activities are allegedly linked to an international network monitored through cyber patrols.
MSA is charged under Article 306, Article 246, and/or Article 247 of the Criminal Code involving the illegal possession of explosive materials and firearms. He is also charged with incitement under Article 246 and Article 247 of the Criminal Code.
Rikky said the police also seized several evidence for the case, including 8.8-centimeter diameter mortar ammunition with a length of 44 centimeters and 50 empty bullets, as well as projectiles and 5.5-millimeter caliber sharp bullets.
Authorities also seized several chemicals allegedly used for making explosives, grenade casings, three assembled firearms, a firearm trigger, and a bow and arrow. The police also secured several books suspected to be related to MSA's extreme endeavors.
Read: How Do Teenagers Keep Accessing Guns in Southeast Asia
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