 |
| Repeat Offender Arrested for Stealing Mosque Donation Box in Banda Aceh. |
Donation Box Theft, Banda Aceh, Jamik Lueng Bata Mosque
A repeat offender has been arrested by police after attempting to steal money from a mosque donation box at Jamik Lueng Bata Mosque in Banda Aceh early Sunday morning (March 1) at approximately 4:06 a.m. local time.
The suspect, identified as SF (35), a resident of Pidie, Aceh, had reportedly stolen donation funds from the same mosque five times since October 2025.
Suspicious Activity Leads to Arrest
According to Lueng Bata Police Chief AKP Rizu Fahmi, the incident began around 3:15 a.m. when a local resident named Mansyur noticed suspicious behavior near the mosque while heading home.
The suspect was allegedly seen entering Jamik Lueng Bata Mosque and attempting to extract money from the donation box using a 30-centimeter stick. Growing suspicious, the witness approached the individual, prompting the suspect to flee into a nearby residential area.
Police quickly responded to the report. At approximately 4:06 a.m., officers located and arrested SF while he was hiding in the yard of a home in Gampong Batoh.
Five Previous Thefts Confirmed
During questioning, SF admitted to stealing from the mosque’s donation box five times:
-
October 2025: approximately Rp1.5 million
-
November 2025: two incidents totaling over Rp1.3 million
-
December 2025: two incidents totaling over Rp2.6 million
The total financial loss suffered by the mosque’s management is estimated at Rp5.5 million (around several hundred US dollars).
Ironically, the most recent attempt was the only one that failed. All previous thefts had been successful.
Charged with Aggravated Theft
Authorities classified the case as aggravated theft under Article 477 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code. The charge carries significant legal consequences.
Police officials also noted that a similar donation box theft suspect had been arrested at the same mosque in the past. The repeated incidents highlight the importance of strengthening security measures at places of worship.
Community Vigilance Plays Key Role
Police emphasized that maintaining public safety is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the community. In this case, the quick action of a vigilant resident helped prevent further losses.
Mosque administrators are encouraged to enhance security systems, including installing surveillance cameras, reinforcing donation boxes, and increasing patrol efforts in surrounding areas.
Beyond financial loss, donation box theft damages public trust. Funds intended to support religious and social programs are meant to benefit the community—not to be exploited for personal gain.
 |
| Repeat Offender Arrested for Stealing Mosque Donation Box in Banda Aceh. (Illustration Image AI) |
FAQ About the Mosque Donation Box Theft
Who was arrested?
A 35-year-old repeat offender identified as SF from Pidie, Aceh.
How many times did he steal from the mosque?
Five times between October and December 2025.
How much was stolen in total?
Approximately Rp5.5 million.
How was he caught?
A local resident reported suspicious activity, and police quickly located and arrested him.
What charges does he face?
Aggravated theft under Article 477 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code.