Promise of Rp 200 Million Behind Kidnapping Case of State-Owned Bank Branch Head Revealed in Trial

JAKARTA - The motive behind the alleged kidnapping and murder of the branch head (kacab) of a state-owned bank, initialled MIP (37), was revealed during the trial at the Military Court II-08 in Cakung, East Jakarta, on Tuesday (5/5/2026). During the examination of the defendants, several soldiers charged in the case admitted that the action was carried out due to the lure of Rp 200 million in money. “We were promised Rp 200 million once the job was done,” said Defendant 1, Serka MN, before the panel of judges, quoted from Antara. Court facts revealed that the defendants had received an upfront payment of Rp 150 million from an individual named Yohannes Joko Pamuntas. The money was said to be part of the initial agreement to carry out the kidnapping of the victim. “What we received was Rp 150 million from brother Joko,” said Serka MN. In further examination, the defendants admitted that economic factors were the main reason for their involvement in the case. Defendant 1 emphasised that he had no personal relationship with the victim or any prior conflict. Meanwhile, Defendant 2, Kopda FH, admitted that besides orders from superiors, he was also driven by economic needs. “Because of orders from seniors and because of money, also because of debts,” said Kopda FH. Another defendant, Serka FY, also admitted that his involvement in the case was driven by a simple reason, namely seeking additional income. “We usually look for cigarette money,” said Serka FY in court. The judge also noted that the defendants were members who received fixed salaries and lived in barracks. However, the defendants acknowledged that the need for extra funds was the reason they accepted the offer.