An 18-year-old from Tangerang, Banten, has been named a suspect by the Tangerang Police for allegedly vandalizing a mushola (Muslim prayer room).

The suspect, identified only as S, has confessed to the police, who have seized several pieces of evidence from his residence. 

“We will charge the suspect under Article 156 of the Criminal Code for committing an act that could spark tension between religions, as well as inciting hate toward certain religious groups,” Tangerang Police chief Sr. Comr. Ade Ary Syam Indardi said on Wednesday as quoted by kompas.com. 

Ade went on to say that the police were currently investigating the suspect. The investigators will invite several experts ranging from linguists and psychologists to religion experts to support the investigation.

Read also: Vandalized building in North Sulawesi not mosque, authorities say

According to Ade, S confessed willingly because he thought his actions were justified.

“We are still trying to find out [his motive]. We are still investigating websites and content that he accessed through his mobile phone,” Ade said. 

Previously, residents of Villa Tangerang Elok housing complex in Pasar Kemis district, Tangerang, exposed the vandalism at the Darussalam Mushola on Tuesday evening on social media, which later went viral.

The culprit has painted over the mushola’s floor and wall with spray paint, as well as tearing a Quran apart. (dpk)

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