Bodong Kavling Scandal In Banten: Perpetrators Arrested, 500 Residents Fooled By Billions Of Rupiah Losses

Suspect AM, the perpetrator of the sale and purchase of land for plots was brought in for examination by the Banten Police Ditreskrimum at the Banten Police Headquarters, Serang City, Thursday (18/9/2025). (ANTARA/HO-Polda Banten)

SERANG - The Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimum) of the Banten Police uncovered the practice of buying and selling land for plots run by a man with the initials AM (49) since 2017 and ensnared hundreds of residents with losses of billions of rupiah.

Banten Police Criminal Investigation Director Kombes Dian Setyawan said the suspect offered land plots in the Istana Mulia Islamic Boarding School area, Bantawaru Village, Cinangka District, Serang Regency, at a price of IDR 190,000 per square meter and a 36-month installment payment scheme.

The victim has paid Rp57 million, but the promised plot never existed. The land is still forest and does not match the location map offered," he said in Serang City, Antara, Friday, September 19.

The police noted that around 500 consumers were caught in the practice, both in installments and those who had paid off payments.

"We handled eight police reports with a loss of Rp762 million. In addition, 73 other consumers were found with a loss of Rp6.07 billion," said Dian.

The modus operandi carried out by AM included using the name of a prospective buyer without the realization of the plot. The transfer of sale and purchase is also only made in the form of a deed of agreement (PJB) with different land objects.

"The suspect uses the same pattern for many people," he said.

After several times absent from the investigator's summons and having traveled abroad, AM was finally arrested at his home at Taman Cyber Residence Housing, Bogor City, on September 5, 2025.

The police confiscated a number of evidences such as payment receipts, checking accounts, PJB certificates, kavling marketing brochures, and location master plans.

"For his actions, the suspect is subject to Article 378 of the Criminal Code concerning Fraud and Article 372 of the Criminal Code concerning Embezzlement with a maximum penalty of four years in prison," said Dian.

He emphasized the importance of the public being careful in buying lots. "We urge people who have felt aggrieved to immediately report to the Banten Police. Each report will be followed up according to legal procedures," he said.

The disclosure of this case, according to Dian, is expected to serve as a warning so that residents always check the legality of land documents before making transactions.

"Don't be easily tempted by cheap prices without ensuring valid proof of ownership," he said.