PRIME NEWS POST
The Indonesian, (Jakarta)– The handling of the case involving alleged document forgery and abuse of authority in the Kerangan land dispute has entered its most critical phase. Following an on-site visit by the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police to Labuan Bajo, the investigation has now shifted its focus to key individuals believed to have played major roles in the preparation of documents and customary proceedings that form the basis of land ownership claims.
Two figures currently under the spotlight are Haji Ramang Ishaka and Muhamad Syair. Both are scheduled to undergo examination on Thursday, 30 April 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Central Indonesia Time, at the Regional Police Office of West Manggarai.
“This action follows up on police report number STTL/96/II/2026/BARESKRIM dated 27 February 2026. The presence of the investigation team in the region is far from a mere formality—it serves as a clear signal that this case has been elevated, from being a regular dispute to allegations of serious criminal offenses,” said Jon Kadis, legal representative of the heirs of Ibrahim Hanta, in a statement to the media on Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
According to him, since Monday, 27 April 2026, the investigation team led by Police Commissioner Arya Fitri Kurniawan has moved swiftly. The first round of examinations was conducted with witnesses representing the reporting party, held at the General Crime Unit of the West Manggarai Regional Police.
“Individuals including Suwandi Ibrahim, Muhamad Rudini, Wihelmus Warung, Mikael Mensen, Surion Florianus Adu, and Ismail have been called to provide statements. The examinations were held behind closed doors and with internal security measures, reflecting how sensitive this matter is,” Jon Kadis stated.
However, he added that public attention is now directed toward the next stage: the questioning of Haji Ramang Ishaka—a figure said to have close connections to the customary processes and historical documents currently under scrutiny.
1990 Customary Document Identified as Key Evidence
A reporter, identified only by the initial S, revealed that investigators are paying close attention to a critical piece of evidence: a Customary Land Transfer Deed dated 10 March 1990. This document is suspected to be one of the legal bases used to issue five Land Ownership Certificates in 2017.
If the document is proven to be invalid or falsified, it would not only invalidate its administrative standing but also suggest the possibility of systematic manipulation in the land legalization process.
“The roles played by those involved in the customary proceedings will be essential in uncovering the full details of this case,” said S.
Case Shifts from Civil to Criminal Proceedings
Previously, this dispute went through a lengthy process within the civil justice system. The heirs of the late Ibrahim Hanta won their claim over 11 hectares of land, with the ruling being upheld all the way up to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia.
Through Decision Number 4568 K/PDT/2025 dated 8 October 2025, an appeal filed by Erwin Kadiman Santosa and associates was rejected. This means the land ownership ruling has obtained permanent legal force, confirming that the land rightfully belongs to the heirs of Ibrahim Hanta.
Earlier rulings from the Labuan Bajo District Court were even more definitive:
1. Declared that the 11-hectare land legally belongs to the heirs of Ibrahim Hanta.
2. Revoked all Land Ownership Certificates issued under the names of Nikolaus Naput’s children.
3. Canceled the Sale and Purchase Binding Agreement Number 5 dated 29 January 2014, issued by Notary Yohanes Billy Ginta.
These rulings were also confirmed by the Kupang High Court before receiving final validation from the Supreme Court.
“Once a decision has permanent legal force, there is no longer any legal basis to file claims over the land,” emphasized Indra Triantoro, legal counsel for the heirs, accompanied by I Wayan Sukawinaya.
New Chapter: Allegations of Illegal Practices
Jon Kadis noted that the involvement of Bareskrim marks a significant shift in the nature of the case. What began as a dispute over ownership has now evolved into allegations of illegal activities—ranging from document forgery and involvement of corrupt officials, to potential abuse of authority in the issuance of land certificates.
“Other individuals named in the report include Erwin Kadiman Santosa, Maria Fatmawati Naput, Paulus Grans Naput, as well as officials from the West Manggarai Land Office,” he explained.
He added that as investigations continue, the public is now waiting to see what steps will follow—whether investigators will name suspects, or uncover a broader network of irregularities within land administration practices in Labuan Bajo.
“One thing is certain: this is no longer just a land dispute, but a major test for law enforcement in the agrarian sector, an area that has long been plagued by conflicts and competing interests,” Jon Kadis concluded.
Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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