Rp 24.7 Billion Bali Land Mafia Case Stalls, Investigators Reported
The Indonesian Legal Aid and Advocacy Institute (LABHI) Bali has reported suspicions of delays in handling a land mafia case worth Rp 24.7 billion involving its client to several parties.
LABHI Bali representative, I Made Ariel Suardana, stated that his organisation has sent a letter requesting follow-up action to the Bali Police Chief. Additionally, they have lodged complaints about the investigators’ performance to various oversight bodies, from the National Police Chief, the National Police Commission, to Commission III of the House of Representatives.
“This case has been ongoing for a year, but there has been no determination of suspects. Although the examination stages have been completed. This is what concerns us,” said Ariel on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
The letter numbered 35/LABHI-BALI/ADVOKAT/III/2026 dated 30 March 2026 was also copied to internal Polri elements, such as the Propam Division, Internal Affairs Supervisory Unit, and the Prosecutors’ Bureau. The report was even submitted to the President of the Republic of Indonesia in the hope of supervision over the case handling.
Ariel assessed that the case is not complicated. One of the reported parties, Bun Djokosudarmo, is said to have lost in a civil lawsuit at the Denpasar District Court with case number 663/Pdt.G/2025/PN.Dps dated 7 May 2025.
“Legally, there is already a clear picture. However, to date, it has not been elevated to the investigation stage and there are no suspects. This is what we question,” he emphasised.
He also expressed concerns that the victim’s funds of Rp 24.7 billion could be misused by the reported parties to avoid legal processes.
Ariel added that the slowness in handling this case is seen as potentially affecting investor confidence, particularly in Bali’s property sector.
“If even cases like this are not handled seriously, it will certainly raise doubts among investors. This could impact Bali’s image as an investment destination,” he added.
The case began in June 2024, when a businessman from West Jakarta with initials SN purchased a plot of land measuring 22,790 square metres in Jimbaran Village, Badung Regency.
The land with Certificate of Ownership (SHM) Number 17327 was purchased for Rp 24.7 billion. However, after the transaction, the land was found to be problematic because it was under blockade status and in dispute, with claims from other parties.
The victim then reported the case to the Bali Police through two police reports, namely LP/B/165/III/2025 dated 6 March 2025 and LP/B/176/III/2025 dated 12 March 2025.
In those reports, several parties were reported, including the land seller, notary, and other parties allegedly involved in the transaction.
LABHI Bali hopes that Commission III of the House of Representatives will soon summon the Bali Police Chief and related officials in a Hearing of Opinions (RDP) forum to uncover the reasons for the delays in handling the case.
“Our hope is for transparency and acceleration. The victim needs legal certainty,” said Ariel.
This case has come under scrutiny, not only from a legal perspective but also as an indicator of law enforcement against practices suspected to resemble land mafia activities in Bali.