Police Uncover WO Marwah Owner's Attempt to Flee and Hide Before Arrest

Police have arrested RM and ER, a married couple and owners of a wedding organiser (WO) in East Jakarta, suspected of defrauding dozens of prospective couples. Authorities stated the suspects attempted to flee and hide after media reports surfaced, but were apprehended following a search. ‘Following widespread social media coverage yesterday, the suspects tried to escape to a location and go into hiding. We conducted a search and, praise be to God, were able to identify the perpetrators’ whereabouts and make the arrest,’ said East Jakarta Metropolitan Police Residency’s Criminal Investigation Unit Chief, AKBP Bayu Kurniawan, on Monday (1/6/2026). Police are investigating claims the couple planned to flee abroad, but confirmed they moved locations as the case came to light. Bayu explained the suspects operated a ‘dig a hole, cover a hole’ scheme, using funds from new clients to cover previous weddings. ‘From our investigations, the victims’ money was reused by the suspects to cover prior wedding activities. Money obtained from other clients was used to hold their wedding events. So the funds were indirectly used in a ‘dig a hole, cover a hole’ manner,’ he said. The suspects advertised WO services via social media, luring victims with promotional wedding packages. After initial contact, they communicated via WhatsApp to offer deals. RM and ER were arrested in Bandung Barat, West Java, and have been charged under Articles 492 and/or 486 of the Criminal Code (KUHP). ‘They have been designated as suspects,’ said East Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief, Kombes Alfian Nurrizal, on Sunday (31/5). The WO Marwah owners failed to fulfil their contractual obligations to victims. Police are continuing their investigation. A total of 58 couples have been identified as victims, with estimated losses of Rp 2.6 billion.