Indonesian Teacher Suspect in Student’s 3D-Printed Rifle Death

Police in Siak regency, Riau, have named a female teacher at Sains Tahfiz Islamic Center junior high school as a suspect in the death of a student who died while testing a 3D-printed rifle for a science project.

The incident occurred on April 8, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m. During a practical examination called “Science Show” held at the school’s field in Kampung Rempak subdistrict.

During the exam, five groups of nine students were presenting their scientific projects. When it was the victim’s group’s turn, the student took the lead to demonstrate the rifle, which he had dubbed the “Musketeer Gun.”

The student had created the rifle independently using a laptop and 3D printer, constructing it from plastic, iron, and chemical substances purchased online with 200,000 rupiah provided by his group.

Prior to the examination, the rifle had never been brought to the school, and the student claimed it had been tested and was safe.

Siak police chief Sepuh Ade Irsyam Siregar stated that investigators found the teacher, identified as IP, to be negligent and potentially liable under Article 474 Clause 3 of the 2023 Criminal Code, which addresses negligence resulting in loss of life.

The offense carries a penalty of up to five years in prison or a fine of 500 million rupiah (approximately S$37,000).

The teacher, who was responsible for supervising students during the examination, did not prevent the student from demonstrating the rifle, according to police.

The suspect has not been detained, as she has been cooperative throughout the investigation.