Former Unadri Kupang Rector Named Suspect in Fraud and Embezzlement Case
Former Rector of Aryasatya Deo Muri University (Unadri) in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Yohanes Paulus Bataona, has been named a suspect in a fraud and embezzlement case involving four individuals. Paulus was named a suspect by the Kupang City Police Resort (Polresta).
“At the time the individual committed his actions, he was a lecturer and, if I am not mistaken, had served as rector at a private university in Kupang City,” said Kupang City Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Djoko Lestri, during a press conference at his office on Thursday (9/7/2026).
“This fraud and embezzlement incident was experienced by four residents of Kupang City, so we have named the individual as a suspect following an investigation,” Djoko continued.
Djoko explained that the case began when Paulus pretended to sell his 2,000-hectare plot of land to the victims in 2023. After a transaction of approximately Rp 100 million took place, he instead evaded them and failed to hand over the land certificate.
Regarding the embezzlement case, Paulus initially rented two cars and then pawned them without settling the rental fees. Following these incidents, the victims filed a report with the Kupang City Police for legal processing.
“There were two cars, a Xenia and a Kijang. So the modus operandi of the fraud and embezzlement was that he deceived and convinced the victims to hand over their property,” Djoko stated.
After being reported, Djoko said, Paulus fled instead. Consequently, his legal status was placed on the wanted list after he ignored police summons.
At that time, Paulus fled and hid in Surabaya and Banyuwangi. He also hid in Banten and Semarang to evade the police.
Police attempted to pursue him, but Paulus was adept at immediately fleeing and moving from place to place. After intensive investigation, Paulus’s whereabouts were finally detected in Batam City, Riau Islands. While in Batam, Paulus was working as a contract teacher at a private school.
“We eventually apprehended the individual in Batam City on 4 July 2026. The arrest process took place at night without any resistance,” explained the mid-ranking police officer, who has since been promoted to Director of Drug Investigation at the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police.
Paulus is charged under Articles 486 and 492 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of four years’ imprisonment. Paulus is currently being detained for the next 20 days at the Kupang City Police Resort.
“The total losses amount to hundreds of millions of rupiah. There were losses of Rp 57 million, Rp 75 million, and Rp 100 million,” Djoko said. He added that Paulus used the proceeds from the fraud and embezzlement to pay off debts, essentially robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Meanwhile, Paulus admitted he was driven to commit the acts because he was mired in debt. After being dunned and feeling cornered, he chose to flee because he was unable to repay the money.
He also expressed deep regret for his actions and apologised to the victims. He promised not to repeat his offences.
“I am ready to be held legally accountable because materially I cannot return the victims’ losses,” Paulus stated.