In a shocking turn of events, the Indonesian Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has identified Arsin, the head of Kohod Village in Tangerang District, Banten, as a key suspect in a scandal involving forged land certificates linked to an illegal sea fence in the district. This revelation has sent ripples of concern throughout the local community and raised questions about the integrity of land ownership in the area.
The controversy surrounding the Tangerang illegal sea fence has escalated with the discovery of fraudulent right-to-build and ownership certificates for the submerged land where the contentious structure once stood. These certificates, which have since been invalidated by the government, are at the center of the ongoing investigation that has implicated Arsin and three other individuals in a web of deceit and manipulation.
Brigadier General Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro, the director for general crimes investigation at Bareskrim, confirmed the suspicions surrounding Arsin, also known as Mr. A, during a press briefing held in Jakarta. Alongside Arsin, the authorities have named three other suspects, identified only by their initials as UK, SP, and CE, who are believed to have played crucial roles in the forgery and misuse of the fraudulent land certificates in Kohod Village.
The alleged conspiracy to fabricate and exploit counterfeit land certificates in Kohod Village spanned from December 2023 to November 2024, implicating the four suspects in a scheme that involved falsifying documents related to land ownership, dispute-free status, and power-of-attorney agreements. These forged certificates were then used to secure the issuance of 260 land ownership certificates in the name of Kohod residents, misleading the authorities and jeopardizing the rightful ownership of the land.
During a comprehensive case review, Bareskrim investigators delved into the suspected forgery of certificates and false statements contained within original land certificates that led to the issuance of 263 right-to-build certificates and 17 ownership certificates in Kohod Village. As part of the investigation, police seized 263 certificate sheets and various office equipment from multiple locations within Kohod Village, suspected to have been instrumental in the production of counterfeit land certificates and associated documentation.
Expert Insights on the Case
To shed light on the implications of this scandal and the broader issues at play, we turn to legal experts and community leaders for their perspectives on the matter. According to renowned land rights lawyer, Dr. Maya Surya, cases of land certificate forgery are not uncommon in Indonesia, but the scale and audacity of the operations in Kohod Village raise serious concerns about the efficacy of land registration processes and the accountability of local officials.
“The alleged involvement of the village head and other individuals in this forgery scheme underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and oversight in land transactions, especially in areas prone to exploitation and corruption,” Dr. Surya remarked in a recent interview. “The repercussions of such fraudulent activities can have far-reaching consequences for the community, undermining trust in the legal system and threatening the livelihoods of innocent residents.”
In response to the unfolding scandal, community leaders in Tangerang have expressed shock and disappointment at the betrayal of public trust by those entrusted with upholding the law and protecting the rights of residents. “As a longtime resident of Kohod Village, I am deeply saddened by the news of this scandal involving our village head and other officials. We put our faith in these individuals to act in the best interests of the community, and their alleged actions have shattered that trust,” lamented Pak Budi, a local fisherman and community advocate.
Government Intervention and Future Steps
In light of these troubling developments, the government has vowed to take swift action to address the repercussions of the sea fence controversy and restore order in Tangerang. The Navy has announced plans to bolster maritime security in the region following the removal of the illegal sea fence, aiming to prevent further encroachments on public land and safeguard the interests of local fishermen and residents.
Additionally, the government has initiated measures to support Tangerang fishermen who have been adversely affected by the sea fence debacle, providing assistance and resources to mitigate the economic hardships faced by those impacted by the illegal activities. These efforts underscore the commitment of authorities to uphold justice, protect vulnerable communities, and uphold the rule of law in the face of corruption and malfeasance.
As investigations continue and the legal process unfolds, the residents of Kohod Village and the broader Tangerang community remain vigilant, calling for accountability, transparency, and justice in the pursuit of truth and restitution. The implications of this scandal are far-reaching, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical governance, civic engagement, and collective action in safeguarding the rights and welfare of all citizens.
