Police say stolen bridge cables were sold for Rp8.5 million after repeated thefts.
Four minors have been arrested in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, over the alleged theft of electrical cables from the Dompak Bridge. Beyond the criminal case itself, the incident has raised concerns about damage to public infrastructure and the involvement of children in offenses motivated by the resale value of stolen materials.
Four Minors Arrested
Police in Tanjungpinang arrested four children suspected of stealing electrical cables installed on the Dompak Bridge, an important piece of public infrastructure connecting areas around Dompak Island. Authorities said the suspects were all underage, requiring the investigation and subsequent legal process to follow Indonesia’s juvenile justice procedures. Their identities have therefore not been publicly disclosed.
Thefts Allegedly Happened Repeatedly
Investigators allege that the group did not carry out the theft only once. The minors are suspected of repeatedly targeting cables installed around the bridge before selling the stolen material. Cable theft can cause consequences beyond the monetary value of the stolen equipment. Removing electrical infrastructure can disrupt lighting and other systems while creating additional safety and maintenance risks for people using public facilities.
Stolen Material Sold for Rp8.5 Million
Police said the stolen cables were eventually sold for approximately Rp8.5 million (approx. S$680). Investigators are tracing the transaction as part of efforts to establish where the stolen materials were sold and whether other parties were involved. The resale market is particularly relevant in cable theft cases because copper and other valuable materials can be extracted and sold. Authorities may therefore examine not only those accused of stealing infrastructure but also parties suspected of knowingly purchasing stolen goods.
Public Infrastructure Becomes Target
The Dompak Bridge is an important landmark and transportation link in Tanjungpinang. Theft involving infrastructure such as electrical cables creates financial losses for the government because damaged installations must be repaired or replaced using public resources.
Juvenile Involvement Raises Wider Concerns
Because all four suspects are minors, the case carries a broader social dimension. Indonesia’s juvenile justice system emphasizes special protections for children in conflict with the law, including procedures that differ from those applied to adult suspects.
The alleged theft at Dompak Bridge is more than a case involving Rp8.5 million in stolen cables. For residents of Tanjungpinang and the wider Riau Islands, it highlights the need to protect public infrastructure while addressing the social factors that can draw minors into crime. For Singaporeans, the case provides a nearby example of the challenges cities face in protecting public assets while ensuring young offenders are handled through appropriate juvenile justice and rehabilitation systems.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , Jawa Pos (2026)
Keywords: Dompak Bridge Theft, Tanjungpinang Crime, Cable Theft, Riau Islands, Juvenile Crime, Public Infrastructure
