Elderly Couple in Bantul Scammed by Fake BPJS Officers, 55 Grams of Gold Stolen

A criminal gang posing as BPJS (Social Security Administering Body) health workers has stolen 55 grams of gold and Rp5 million in cash from an elderly couple in Pundong, Bantul. The incident occurred on Sunday, 26 July 2026, at around 3.30pm Western Indonesia Time at the victims’ home in Semampir Hamlet, Panjangrejo Village.

Bantul Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head, AKP Subihan Afuan Ardhi, stated that the victims, identified as M (79) and K (74), were approached by three women claiming to be BPJS officers offering therapeutic massage services. The suspects entered the house, and the victims prepared a mat for the massage. While two of the perpetrators performed the massage, the third suspect entered a bedroom and stole jewellery and cash from a cupboard.

The stolen items included two bracelets, five rings, two pairs of earrings, a pair of traditional ‘suweng’ earrings, and a necklace with several pendants, totalling 55 grams of gold, along with Rp5 million in cash. The victims became suspicious approximately 15 minutes after the suspects left and subsequently discovered the theft.

Following a police report, officers analysed CCTV footage and gathered witness statements. On Thursday, 29 July 2026, police arrested a suspect, identified as AS, a 33-year-old trader from Central Java, who acted as the driver for the group. A brown National-brand tote bag was seized as evidence. Police stated the motive was economic need.

Authorities are still searching for four other suspects: three women identified as DF (23), MR (23), and MT (30), who entered the victim’s house, and IL, a 30-year-old man who assisted in the crime. The arrested suspect claimed this was their first such offence and is not a recidivist. The suspect has been charged under Article 476 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment or a maximum fine of Rp500 million.