PRIME NEWS POST

THE INDONESIAN , (LABUAN BAJO) — Mystery has deepened surrounding land transaction records covering approximately 16 hectares in Karangan, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency — centering on the identity of H. Siti Naasiah Daeng Mawira/Mawera, named as the seller in a purported land sale agreement dated 2 May 1990.

Legal counsel for the heirs of the late Haji Makking has raised serious questions about whether this individual ever actually existed.

Antonius Arif, SH, representing the plaintiffs, stated the family has no knowledge of anyone by that name. Official checks with the Labuan Bajo Village Administration and the West Manggarai Regency Population and Civil Registration Office (Dukcapil) returned no record of such a person residing in the area.

“Confirmation from both institutions shows H. Siti Naasiah Daeng Mawira/Mawera is not listed as a registered resident of Labuan Bajo,” Antonius confirmed on Thursday (1/10/2026) in Labuan Bajo.

Two Key Documents Under Scrutiny

The investigation focuses on two instruments dated 2 May 1990:

– A land sale agreement for approximately 16 hectares;
– A receipt for full payment in the amount of Rp9 million.

“These documents are central to the case. The identity of the purported seller must be explained — this forms the very foundation of the land history now contested before the Labuan Bajo Religious Court,” Antonius said.

Counsel alleged the documents bear strong indications of fabrication:
“Circumstances strongly suggest both instruments were engineered and manipulated by a land mafia network.”

Note: Allegations of forgery and manipulation represent the plaintiffs’ legal claims and remain unproven. The authenticity of documents, identity of parties, and validity of transactions are subject to evidence and ongoing judicial process.

Read : Alleged Forged Land Documents in Keranga: Criminal Investigation Unit Traces Issuance History of 2017 Ownership Certificates

Community Leader Calls for Full Disclosure

Surion Florianus Adu, a customary community leader advocating for land rights in the region, emphasized the gravity of the findings.

“If these documents were fabricated, this is extremely serious and must be laid bare. How could a transaction involving 16 hectares proceed when one party cannot be verified to exist?” he stated.

Surion urged investigators to look beyond the sale documents themselves and examine the full administrative chain: land origin, identity of all parties, transaction procedures, document preparation, subsequent transfers, and eventual title issuance.

“If manipulation is proven, identify who created the documents, who used them, and for whose benefit,” he added.

Hotel Development and Subsequent Titles Linked

The 1990 documents have been connected to later developments at the site, including Erwin Santosa Kadiman, identified as the developer behind the planned St. Regis Labuan Bajo hotel.

In 2017, three Freehold Certificates (SHM) and two Building Use Rights (HGB) were issued covering land in the same area. A groundbreaking ceremony for the luxury hotel was held in 2022, attended by then-NTT Governor Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat and West Manggarai Regent Edistasius Endi. However, ceremonial events do not confer legal title; ownership remains subject to documentary proof and judicial determination.

57 Parties Named in Court Action

The dispute is formally registered at the Labuan Bajo Religious Court under Case No. 73/Pdt.G/2026/PA.Lbj.

The action was filed by three claimants asserting status as heirs of Haji Makking: Taiba binti Muhammad Soleh, Haji Mustajib bin Taba, and Badaria binti Taba. The case names 18 defendants and 39 interested parties, bringing the total to 57 parties.

Read : Subak Kerdung Land Dispute Heats Up; Puri Ukir Legal Counsel Questions Suspect Designation

Plaintiffs allege the 16-hectare tract forms part of Haji Makking’s estate, never lawfully distributed among heirs. During the first hearing, none of the 18 defendants appeared; only plaintiffs and several interested parties were present. The court has scheduled further summons. Should defendants fail to appear after due notice, proceedings may continue in absentia.

Additional Names Surface

The broader dispute has also drawn attention to Haji Ramang Ishaka and Muhammad Syair, identified as customary community officials whose names appear in related documentation.

With the seller’s identity now cast into doubt, the 1990 instruments have become a pivotal point of inquiry. Questions remain not only as to who — if anyone — Siti Naasiah Daeng Mawira/Mawera was, but how the documents were created, who was involved, how they were used in subsequent land administration, and what bearing they have on current titles. All matters remain subject to proof in court.

As of press time, this outlet continues to seek response from parties named, including H. Siti Naasiah Daeng Mawira/Mawera, the Nikolaus Naput family, Erwin Santosa Kadiman, and all other stakeholders.