Seven Students Scammed via TikTok Tickets and Left Stranded at Soekarno-Hatta
Seven university students from West Sumatra have fallen victim to a bus ticket scam orchestrated via TikTok. The group was targeted after facing travel disruptions caused by the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.
The students, from a university in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, encountered difficulties returning to Padang after their flights were affected by volcanic ash on Monday (7/9/2026).
“The seven students were originally planning to travel by air to Padang using an airline,” stated the Head of Criminal Investigation at Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police, Commissioner Muhammad Esha, in a statement on Wednesday (9/9/2026).
Following the flight disruption, they decided to travel to Padang by land and sought bus tickets. They subsequently found a TikTok account selling bus tickets and communicated with the seller via WhatsApp.
Blocked After Transfer
The victims proceeded to transfer a total of Rp 5.8 million for the ticket bookings. However, once the payment was completed, the ticket provider failed to provide any clarity regarding their departure.
Subsequently, the perpetrator allegedly blocked the victims’ WhatsApp numbers. Feeling defrauded, the seven students approached the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police to request assistance from the Criminal Investigation Unit.
“As it was late at night, the seven students were accommodated and permitted to stay overnight in the Special Service Room at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Station to ensure their safety as women,” he explained.
Police Investigation Underway
The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police is currently investigating the alleged fraud. Additionally, the unit assisted the students by purchasing return tickets for them.
Police personnel then escorted the seven students to the Kalideres Terminal in West Jakarta. On Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at 10:00 WIB, the students finally departed using the PO Lampung Jaya bus service.
The students expressed their gratitude to the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police for the assistance provided.
Police Assist Victims’ Return
While awaiting the refund process for their original flight tickets, the police facilitated the students’ stay in the Special Service Room at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Station for their security. The police also assisted in purchasing bus tickets for the group and escorted them to the Kalideres Terminal on Tuesday morning.
The Chief of Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police, Commissioner Wisnu Wardana, stated that the actions taken by the Criminal Investigation Unit represent the police’s commitment to providing service and assisting the public facing difficulties within the airport area, particularly during air travel disruptions.
“We strive to provide service and assist the public experiencing difficulties within the Soekarno-Hatta Airport area. When the public requires assistance, our personnel will endeavour to find solutions within our authority and the existing conditions,” said Wisnu in his statement on Wednesday (9/9).