East Nusa Tenggara Police Arrest Counterfeit Pelni Ticket Scalper Ahead of School Holidays
The Criminal Investigation Directorate of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police has uncovered a counterfeit ticket scam targeting Pelni passengers ahead of the school holiday season. Police arrested a 36-year-old man, identified by the initials IB, suspected of perpetrating the fraud.
Director of Criminal Investigation, Commissioner Sigit Haryono, confirmed the arrest took place on Thursday (11/6) at approximately 12:40 WITA near the Pelni branch office in Kupang. The swift police action was a response to reports from victims who had fallen prey to the fictitious ticket syndicate.
The case emerged after two victims, JIN, 25, and ON, 21, residents of South Central Timor Regency, reported their losses. Both had intended to travel from Tenau Port in Kupang to Kijang Port in Batam for the holidays. They purchased tickets from the suspect for Rp905,000 each. However, when attempting to board at Tenau Port, Pelni officials declared the tickets unregistered in the official system and therefore counterfeit.
From the suspect, a resident of Fatufeto Village, Alak District, Kupang City, police seized key evidence. ‘We secured the counterfeit Pelni tickets along with Rp1,855,000 in cash believed to be proceeds of the crime,’ Commissioner Sigit stated in Kupang on Friday (12/6).
Based on initial interrogation, IB admitted to deliberately falsifying the documents for personal gain. Investigators are currently deepening the probe to uncover possible accomplices or additional victims who have yet to come forward.
NTT Police are urging the public to remain vigilant, particularly as inter-island passenger mobility surges during the school holidays. Citizens are advised not to be tempted by offers from unknown individuals or scalpers around ports. ‘We urge the public to purchase tickets exclusively through official channels, whether via the Pelni app, the official website, or verified travel agents. Avoid transactions outside the official system to prevent financial loss and travel disruption,’ Sigit emphasised. The suspect is currently detained at the Criminal Investigation Directorate office for further legal proceedings.