Bangkalan, KOTABARI.COM – Bangkalan was shocked by the brutal murder of a Universitas Trunojoyo Madura (UTM) student. The victim, identified as EJ (20), was found burned to death in an abandoned warehouse in Banjar Village, Galis District, Bangkalan, on Sunday (December 1, 2024). The perpetrator was revealed to be her boyfriend, Moh Maulidi Al Izhaq (21), a seventh-semester student majoring in Islamic Education at STIT Al Ibrohimy, Bangkalan.
Chronology of Events
According to Bangkalan Police Chief AKBP Febri Isman Jaya, the incident began when EJ, who was reportedly pregnant, planned to meet a traditional masseur with the perpetrator to terminate her pregnancy. On their way, a heated argument ensued, leading the perpetrator to stop their vehicle near an abandoned sawmill warehouse that had been unused for four years.
Based on the perpetrator’s confession, the victim threatened to report him to the police, causing him to panic and take drastic action. “The perpetrator struck the victim with a machete he had brought along. After seriously injuring the victim, he dragged her body to an area near the abandoned warehouse,” explained AKBP Febri on Monday (December 2, 2024).
The violence escalated further as the perpetrator purchased gasoline from a nearby store, poured it over the victim’s body, and set it on fire before fleeing to his parents’ house.
Case Investigation
The police identified the perpetrator through the victim’s phone, which was found at the crime scene. Communication and financial transaction records between the victim and the perpetrator provided crucial leads in the investigation. “We tracked the victim’s phone, which led us to the perpetrator. He was arrested at his parents’ house,” said AKBP Febri.
Public Reaction and Legal Action
The discovery of the victim’s burned body caused an uproar among Banjar Village residents. When found, the victim’s body was still burning, with smoke rising from the site, confirming the brutal nature of the crime.
The perpetrator is now charged under Article 338 of the Indonesian Criminal Code for murder, carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
This case has sparked widespread concern in Bangkalan over the occurrence of such violence. Authorities continue to investigate to ensure no other parties were involved and to ensure justice is served for Moh Maulidi Al Izhaq’s actions.