Riau Islands Police Investigate Alleged Fraud Of Bodong Lot In Batam

A number of residents came to the Ditreskrimum of the Riau Islands Police to ask for certainty of complaints about fraudulent plots that have been reported since May 2025, Tuesday (9/9/2025). (ANTARA/Laily Rahmawaty.)

The Direskrimum of the Riau Islands Police is investigating allegations of fraudulent plot sales in Sei Binti Village, Sagulung District, Batam City, which harmed dozens of residents as victims.

Head of Sub-Directorate II PA Ditreskrimum Polda Kepri Kompol Misbachul Munir said the case was reported by the community who had been victims since May 2025.

"This case is still under investigation, there have been no police reports yet, only a complaint filed by Arianus Zalukhu and the victims of around 39 other communities," Munir said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, September 10.

He explained that the reported party from this case was a former lecturer at a private university in Batam City named Firmansyah. With the mode of claiming to be the owner of the Kavling Ready Bangun (KSB) Swadaya Sungai Cantik Dapur 12.

Furthermore, the proceeds are offered through marketing to be traded to residents, so that there are residents who are interested in buying.

Some victims have deposited Rp80 million to the reported by paying in installments 3 times.

The lecturer, he said, was reported on suspicion of violating the criminal act of fraud Article 378 of the Criminal Code and/or Article 372 concerning embezzlement.

"From the complaint, we conducted an investigation, asking for information from residents who reported and related parties such as BP Batam, we also asked for information," he said.

BP Batam's examination to ensure that the lots are ready to build are correct, whether there is a new plot issuance permit. It turned out that from the results of the examination there was no intended permit.

Meanwhile, the reported party cannot be questioned, because according to the campus he is no longer working, nor is the residence no longer in the Batam area. Investigators also traced the whereabouts of the reported to the apartment, but also none.

"From the family and campus where he works, he stated that he no longer works there (the lecturer)," he said.

In the near future, investigators will conduct a case title to determine the crime and raise public complaints to become police reports.

"The team is compiling a case title filing, schedule it because the case title must be scheduled first. As soon as possible we will hold a case," said Munir.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday (9/9), a number of residents who were victims came to the Ditreskrimum of the Riau Islands Police to inquire about the follow-up to the complaints they had sent.

Arianus Zalukhu said that some of the victims, including himself, bought two to four plots with a pharmaceutical price of between Rp. 25 million to Rp. 60 million per plot.

Terlapor Firmansyah, kata dia menjual kavling siap bangun dan menyatakan lahan tersebut miliknya.

"I bought a plot in August 2024, the size of the land was offered about 6x12 meters. We received a kavling letter ready to wake up after making the payment," said Arianus.