Hanania Travel Boss Charged with Embezzlement; Money Laundering Under Investigation
Based on the results of the latest investigation and case review, the charge currently brought against the suspect involves alleged criminal embezzlement as stipulated in Article 486 of the Criminal Code, as the criminal elements are supported by existing evidence, stated the Head of Public Relations of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Kombes Budi Hermanto, on Wednesday (3/6/2026).
However, the police are still conducting a series of in-depth investigations. Budi noted that investigators are also looking into allegations of money laundering related to the case.
“Other articles listed in the police report remain part of the investigators’ deep dive. The investigation is ongoing, including the examination of witness statements, documents, fund flows, and other pieces of evidence,” he said. He added that if the investigation uncovers facts or evidence supporting other criminal acts, including money laundering (TPPU), the legal construction of the charges may expand according to the investigation results.
Reasons for Not Departing with Pilgrims
Police revealed the pretext used by the boss of Hanania Travel, Ahmad Syah Farron (ASF), for failing to send Umrah pilgrims to the Holy Land. He claimed that there were changes in flight ticket prices.
“First, regarding the change in flight tickets. One of the reasons provided by the suspect was the delay or change in flight tickets. This is what the suspect stated,” said the Director of Criminal Investigation of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Kombes Iman Imanuddin, during a press conference at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Headquarters, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (2/6).
However, Iman stated that investigators did not immediately accept this excuse. Upon further investigation, facts were discovered that the pilgrims’ money was used for purposes outside of the planned departure of the pilgrims.
“The investigators are basing their findings on the facts of the investigation regarding how the funds collected from the pilgrims by PT Khazanah Tamma Internasional were used—whether they were used for interests other than the departure of the pilgrims,” said Iman.
“We are strictly following the legal facts obtained during the investigation process, even though one of the reasons provided was related to flight tickets,” he added.
Police revealed that the funds from Umrah pilgrims were used for purposes unrelated to the pilgrims’ travel. Iman mentioned that the money was used to pay several influencers, stating this was done for the purpose of promoting Umrah packages.
“Part of it was also used to pay influencers, as previously questioned, for marketing purposes,” he concluded.