MANGGARAI BARAT, East Nusa Tenggara — Three men in Manggarai Barat, East Nusa Tenggara, could face multiple charges after allegedly beating and burning a live owl in an incident that was recorded and shared on social media, sparking widespread public outrage.

The suspects, identified by police as GJ, 30, SB, 41, and VJ, 25, were arrested on Tuesday (Aug. 11) after police investigated the incident in Bajak Village, Benteng Ndope, Pacar District.

“Based on their actions, the suspects could face multiple charges,” Manggarai Barat Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Lufthi Darmawan Aditya said on Thursday (Aug. 13).

Police said the three could be charged under Indonesia’s conservation law and the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law.

Investigators are coordinating with the East Nusa Tenggara Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA NTT) to determine the legal status of the owl involved in the incident.

They are also coordinating with prosecutors at the Manggarai Barat District Prosecutor’s Office as the investigation moves forward.

“We will also soon hold a case conference to formally determine the legal status of the suspects,” Lufthi said.

Owl allegedly burned alive

Police said the incident took place around Bajak Village on Aug. 8 at about 8 p.m. local time.

The incident reportedly began when GJ saw an owl perched on a kitchen pole at SB’s house. GJ then called SB and VJ to help capture the bird.

The three allegedly took the owl to an area in front of a kiosk, where it was subjected to repeated blows.

According to police, VJ held the owl by its wings while GJ repeatedly struck its head with a small piece of wood.

VJ then allegedly set the owl on fire while it was still alive. SB recorded the incident on a mobile phone.

The video was later uploaded to social media and circulated widely, prompting public outrage. It was subsequently reposted by an animal education account on Aug. 11, bringing the incident to wider public attention.

Police cite local superstition

Police said the suspects’ actions were allegedly influenced by local beliefs surrounding owls.

“Based on the initial examination, the suspects admitted that they acted on the basis of a local myth or belief that the presence of an owl around a settlement was a bad omen or a symbol of black magic,” Lufthi said.

The suspects allegedly believed that burning the owl could eliminate the perceived threat of witchcraft.

Lufthi urged the public to stop practices based on myths that could harm wildlife and called for greater responsibility when using social media.

“We emphasize that the law leaves no room for acts of cruelty against animals, especially when such acts are turned into social media content for temporary popularity,” he said.

He also urged residents of Manggarai Barat to reject beliefs that could harm the ecosystem and to use social media responsibly.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities determine the appropriate legal provisions to be applied to the three suspects.