Alleged Land Ownership Document Forgery and Money Laundering Uncovered in Pagar Laut Case
In a recent development, the Bareskrim Polri uncovered alleged forgery of land ownership documents linked to a sea enclosure case in Tangerang, Banten. Brigadier General Djuhandani Rahardjo Puro, the Director of General Crimes (Dirtipidum) at the National Police Headquarters, revealed that his team had initiated an investigation into the sea enclosure spanning 30.16 km in the northern sea area.
Beyond the falsification of land ownership documents, Djuhandani also disclosed suspicions of money laundering in the case. “The investigation order was issued on January 10, 2025, on the orders of the Police Chief through the Director of Criminal Investigation,” Djuhandani told reporters at the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Friday, January 31, 2025.
The preliminary investigation has gathered valuable information on the criminal activities and collected evidence. “Hopefully, we can uncover whether this constitutes a crime, and in this regard, we have prepared to address the alleged violations under Article 263 of the Criminal Code, Article 264 of the Criminal Code, and we will also apply the Anti-Money Laundering Law,” he added.
### Legal Implications and Investigations
Article 263 of the Criminal Code stipulates a maximum of six years in prison for falsifying documents that affect rights and intentionally using fake documents causing harm. Meanwhile, Article 264 of the Criminal Code prescribes a penalty of up to eight years in prison for forging authentic deeds.
Djuhandani explained that the application of these articles in the sea enclosure scandal stemmed from the investigative team’s findings concerning land acquisition by various parties to construct the sea enclosures. It was discovered that the ownership of these lands was allegedly based on the issuance of fake Building Use Rights Certificates (SHGB) or Ownership Certificates (SHM). “And those have since been annulled,” Djuhandani clarified.
He further stated that the ongoing investigative process at the General Crimes Directorate of the National Police Headquarters would involve obtaining statements from relevant parties. “We will soon ascertain whether there have been violations, such as forgery, among others, which will serve as the basis for this investigation,” he explained.
Djuhandani did not disclose which parties would be questioned but assured that his investigative team would require statements from village heads, ministry authorities, and residents to proceed with the case.
### Expert Insights and Future Steps
Legal experts emphasize the seriousness of forging land ownership documents and the implications of money laundering in such cases. “These crimes not only disrupt the legal system but also have far-reaching consequences for innocent individuals who may be affected by fraudulent land claims,” said legal analyst Dr. Maria Santoso.
Moving forward, the investigative team aims to delve deeper into the complexities of the sea enclosure scandal to unveil the full extent of the alleged criminal activities. By gathering testimonies and evidence from various stakeholders, they hope to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the public eagerly awaits the outcome, hoping for transparency and accountability in addressing the land ownership document forgery and money laundering uncovered in the Pagar Laut case. Only time will reveal the true extent of the alleged crimes and the impact on the affected communities.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
