Outrage Over 'Sultan Nusantara' Sect Scamming Banyumas Residents with Hajj Promises for Joining

Several residents in Banyumas Regency are suspected to have become victims of a scam disguised as religious study sessions that teach deviant doctrines. One of the victims claims to have suffered losses of up to tens of millions of rupiah after being persuaded by a figure who claimed to be the ‘Sultan Nusantara’.

According to detikJateng on Monday (27/4/2026), the victims’ legal representative, Djoko Susanto, revealed that the case began around October-November 2025. At that time, the victim was invited to attend a religious study session by an individual with the initials W, a resident of Arcawinangun Ward, Purwokerto Timur Subdistrict.

“Initially, they joined the study session about six months ago. From there, they began to be offered various deviant teachings,” said Djoko when contacted by detikJateng.

According to him, during the activities, the congregation was taught several unusual prohibitions. These ranged from not consuming certain foods, such as eels and patin fish, to bans on receiving vaccines, seeking treatment at hospitals, and donating blood. Through various persuasions, the victims were promised to be sent on Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages.

Meanwhile, when asked for separate confirmation, Banyumas Police Chief Kombes Petrus Silalahi confirmed the existence of the complaint in this case. According to him, today the police will begin examining witnesses.

“Yes, it’s true that we received the complaint on Saturday around 17:00 WIB. Today, the examination of witnesses has been scheduled,” he said.