Man Arrested for Brutal Murder and Rape of 12-Year-Old Student in Makassar
Authorities in Makassar, South Sulawesi, have uncovered the details of a brutal crime involving the death of a 12-year-old elementary school student, identified as NU. The investigation centers on a 19-year-old suspect, identified as IK, who is accused of assaulting the victim in a vacant house in the Tallo district.
The Sequence of Events
According to the findings shared by local police, the incident began on the night of Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The suspect reportedly dragged the victim into an abandoned property, where he muffled her cries with a cloth and applied severe pressure to her chest, rendering her unconscious.
Police reports indicate that the victim was subjected to sexual assault while in this critical, unconscious state. Her body was discovered by local residents the following day, Wednesday, May 27, in a tragic condition, found without clothing with a damaged television set placed over her head.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
Kombes Arya Perdana of the Polrestabes Makassar has confirmed that the suspect will be charged under laws governing premeditated murder. Specifically, the authorities are applying Article 459 and the subsidiary Article 458, which carry the possibility of the death penalty or a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Moving forward, This proves expected that the case will proceed through the standard criminal justice pipeline in Makassar. A possible next step involves the formal filing of the case file with the prosecutor’s office, which will determine how the prosecution intends to present its evidence to the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the suspect in this case?
The suspect is a 19-year-old individual identified by the police as IK.

What specific charges is the suspect facing?
The Polrestabes Makassar is charging the suspect with premeditated murder under Article 459 and subsidiary Article 458, which carry a maximum penalty of death or 20 years of imprisonment.
Where was the victim found?
The victim was found by local residents inside a vacant house located in the Tallo area of Makassar on Wednesday, May 27.
How can local communities better secure abandoned properties to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future?