Alleged Fraud in Padangsidimpuan, the Victim Admits to Facing Economic Pressure to Survive with Debt

Victims of alleged fraud in Padangsidimpuan, Tapanuli, North Sumatra. (Ist)

JAKARTA - The case of alleged fraud involving the name of Saripah Hanum Lubis is still in the spotlight. A number of people who claim to be victims have complained to Commission III of the DPR RI, asking for protection and solutions to the conditions they are experiencing.

This matter was reported to the police since April 2025 and is said to involve dozens of victims with significant losses. In the process, investigators had named a suspect and detained the parties involved.

However, in April 2026, the Padangsidimpuan District Court, Tapanuli, North Sumatra, granted a pretrial application on the grounds of procedural defects in the determination of suspects. The decision highlighted administrative errors, without touching on the substance of the alleged criminal case reported by the victim.

The victims admitted that they were initially offered to participate in a business scheme. They were promised profits or shares, and assured to place funds in the business. A number of victims also mentioned the involvement of parties with public positions that made them feel more confident.

Even so, all of the information is still a statement from the victim and requires further proof in the legal process.

The impact felt by the victims is said to be quite serious. In addition to material losses, many victims admitted to experiencing economic pressure, difficulty meeting daily needs, and even the threat of the continuity of children's education.

"To survive, we were forced to owe here and there, borrowing money from relatives and even neighbors, with a deep sense of shame," said one of the victims, Nenni Trisna Hasibuan, in a written statement received on Monday, May 4.

In his complaint to Commission III of the DPR RI, the victims asked for protection, supervision of law enforcement officers, and concrete solutions, including compensation for losses. In addition, they also complained to the DPP PDI Perjuangan (PDIP), asking for concern and moral responsibility, including decisive action if there are cadres who are proven to have violated the law.

The victims stated that this step was an effort to seek justice and prevent similar incidents from happening again. They hope that the legal process will be transparent while upholding the principle of presumption of innocence.