Police Investigate Alleged Counterfeit Money For Social Assistance Funds In NTT

KUPANG - The Sabu Raijua Resort Police, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) investigated allegations of misbidulation of cash social assistance funds (bansos), stimulus funds and the Family Hope Program (PKH) in Hawu Mehara District, Sabu Raijua Regency, NTT.

Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the Sabu Raijua Police, Iptu Deflortintus M. Wee, said the incident occurred on Monday (14/7).

"We received information from residents about the alleged counterfeit money during the distribution of social assistance in Hawu Mehara District on Monday, July 14, 2025," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, July 17.

He explained that a resident named Dominggus A. Leo, who is a resident of Ledeae Village, Hawu Mehara District, Sabu Raijuamelapkan Regency, reported the case.

Dominggus reported to the police when distributing social assistance in the office hall of Tanajawa Village, Henderina Dida as one of the recipients of the assistance received IDR 2,425,000 in cash.

After receiving cash assistance and PKH in Tanajawa Village, Henderina Didada felt six pieces of Rp100,000 denominations, the colors were different from the others.

He also tried to use the money to shop at a shop in the area, but when he was about to pay, the stall voters refused because they suspected counterfeit money.

Henderina Dida then returned to the distribution of cash social assistance and PKH in the Tanajawa Village hall to confirm the money to PT Pos Indonesia officers who distributed social assistance.

He questioned the authenticity of the money, but PT Pos Indonesia officers convinced the six pieces of the money were genuine, because they were taken from the bank.

Feeling confident, he returned home. However, because he was curious he then returned to using the money to shop, but shop voters did not want to accept the money.

The police then coordinated with Bank BRI and Bank NTT in the area, but banking officials also could not confirm the authenticity of the six notes received.

To be able to ensure the authenticity of the money, his party coordinated with the Bank Indonesia NTT Representative to find out the authenticity of the money.

"Currently we are still securing the six Rp100 thousand notes, while waiting for coordination from BI," said Iptu Deflortintus.