Police warn public about fake academic documents

Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan, North Sumatra

Police here warned the public of the widespread use of fake university diplomas following the arrest of nine people affiliated to a syndicate producing bogus academic documents.

Chief detective of the North Sumatra Police Sr. Supt. Iskandar Hasan said nine people had been arrested between Thursday and Saturday in connection with the fraud, which had been uncovered after two applicants were found submitting fake diplomas to gain admission to the Police Officer Training Academy in March.

Two of the suspects are lecturers from Medan Area University and Nomensen University, both are based in Medan and were identified only as SDS and MY respectively. Other suspects include a subdistrict chief, an employee with the Medan mayoralty administration and an employee with the North Sumatra Provincial administration.

Police are now looking for another suspect, identified only as S.

"The group had its own division of labor, with the two lecturers issuing the bogus diplomas and the rest looking for consumers," Iskandar said.

He said the syndicate had admitted to having sold 27 fake diplomas to people who are now working in various companies in North Sumatra, Aceh, Riau and other provinces in Kalimantan. A diploma could sell for up to Rp 7 million (US$752).

"Most of the buyers had never attended university," Iskandar said.

One of the bogus diploma holders is currently a member of the regional legislature in Singkil, Aceh. But Iskandar refused to identify the person.

"We found that this group of suspects counterfeited only Medan Area and Nomensen University diplomas, but we will develop the case further after receiving reports of fake diplomas from the other universities involved," Iskandar said. Among the other universities were Parahyanagn University in Bandung, North Sumatra Islam University, Nusantara Swadaya School of Economy and Bandung-based Merdeka University.

Iskandar said diplomas from the faculty of economics were the most popular sellers.

Acting chairman of the Private University Coordinating Board overseeing North Sumatra and Aceh, Djohar Arifin, said he had long detected the spread of fake degrees.

At least 10 private companies have reported to the board the use of fake diplomas by their employees over the past few years, Djohar said.

Commenting on the involvement of one of the board's personnel, Djohar said he would help the police investigate the case.

"We will suggest that the minister of national education dismiss anyone who is found guilty," Djohar said.

"Such a crime should be eradicated, especially now that the national education system is at its lowest ebb."