Syndicate used fake uniforms, digital tools, and websites to trick landowners across three cities
A sophisticated land scam operation involving fake officials and forged land certificates has been uncovered in Indonesia’s Riau Islands (Kepri), resulting in financial losses of Rp16.8 billion for nearly 250 individuals and legal entities.
Elaborate Deception Uncovered in Kepri
Authorities in the Riau Islands have successfully dismantled a land scam syndicate that impersonated government officials and defrauded hundreds of victims. The operation, carried out by the Anti-Land Mafia Task Force of the Kepri Regional Police and Tanjungpinang Police, targeted residents of Batam, Tanjungpinang, and Bintan.
Police investigations began in 2023, triggered by a citizen’s report of irregularities while converting an analog land certificate to a digital version. The discovery led to a broader probe exposing 44 fraudulent land documents out of 247 applications reviewed, with a total public loss of Rp16.8 billion (approx. SGD1.34 million).
Fake Officials, Real Damage
The syndicate’s ringleader, ES (28), posed as a senior official from the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN). He and his team wore official-looking uniforms, used name tags, digital survey tools, and even claimed to represent a fake “Anti-Land Mafia Task Force.”
To increase credibility, two fake surveyors, MR and ZA, conducted mock land measurements using a fraudulent app called “Gland Measure.” They transmitted data to an accomplice, RAZ, who produced forged certificates—both analog and electronic versions—on specialized printers with UV ink and functional barcodes.
Counterfeit Certificates and Fake Website
These fraudulent certificates linked to a replica of the official ATR/BPN website, mimicking the design and domain of http://www.sentuhtanahku.id to deceive victims further. Many victims believed their documents were legitimate due to the website’s realistic interface and scannable codes.
Out of the 247 affected individuals:
- 218 were from Bintan (Lome, Sei Lekop, Busung)
- 23 from Tanjungpinang (Dompak, Pancanaka, Kampung Bugis)
- 6 from Batam
The scam primarily targeted individuals looking to formalize land ownership without going through proper legal channels, making them more vulnerable to deception.
The Syndicate’s Reach and Operation
This land mafia network involved at least eight perpetrators, including social media marketers, field operatives, and an NGO leader who helped recruit victims. Authorities also discovered forged SHM (Freehold Title) and SHGB (Building Use Title) certificates, along with fake invoices and payment receipts misusing the name of BP Batam.
Kepri Police Chief Irjen Pol. Asep Safrudin confirmed that the operation caused massive public distrust and urged communities to verify all land transactions through official channels.
Legal Consequences and Public Response
Suspects have been charged under Articles 263, 378, 55, 56, and 64 of the Indonesian Penal Code, facing up to six years in prison. The joint operation highlighted the importance of transparency and legal safeguards in property transactions.
At a press conference on July 3, 2025, Batam Deputy Mayor Li Claudia Chandra expressed deep appreciation for the police’s swift action, stating it provided a much-needed sense of justice and protection to the public.
The Kepri land certificate fraud exposes how elaborate impersonation tactics can lead to significant economic harm and erosion of public trust in government institutions. This case serves as a wake-up call for both Indonesians and regional neighbors like Singaporeans—especially those with land interests in Kepri—to remain vigilant, verify credentials, and report suspicious activity promptly.
Sources: Batam News (2025) , iNews (2025)
Keywords: Land Certificate Fraud, Kepri Land Scam, Fake BPN Officers, Mafia Tanah, ATR/BPN, Indonesia Crime
