ISTANETIZEN.COM – West Manggarai Police arrested a travel agent owner in Labuan Bajo on suspicion of fraud against a group of tourists from Malaysia and Singapore. Losses are estimated at IDR 85.2 million.
The suspect with the initials KA (32) was arrested after allegedly using the funds paid for the tour package for personal gain. As a result, the group consisting of eight adults and two children experienced service delays when they arrived at Komodo International Airport on Thursday 7 May 2026.
“The perpetrator was officially detained by investigators. We have no tolerance for individuals who damage the image of tourism,” said West Manggarai Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head, AKP Lufthi Darmawan Aditya, Sunday 10 May 2026.
The case started with the victim’s representative with the initials SS (34) transferring funds in stages from March to May 2026 to the suspect’s “Labuan Bajo Top” agent. These funds are intended for four-day, three-night cruise rental, Komodo National Park entry tickets and premium hotel accommodation.
However, upon arrival in Labuan Bajo, the group was directed to a different hotel than agreed. The ship operator also refused to operate because he had not received payment from the suspect.
“The victim had paid in full, but when he arrived here he was abandoned. The reported party was also very difficult to contact,” said Lufthi.
The police facilitated mediation between the victim and the suspect. Because they could not reach an agreement, investigators then arrested KA. During the examination, the suspect admitted that all the funds had been used for personal purposes.
Now KA is being detained at the West Manggarai Police Detention Center for 20 days for the investigation process. He was charged under Article 492 of the Criminal Code regarding fraud which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
The police ensured that the tourist group could continue their journey. With the help of local officials and authorities, the tourists finally sailed to Komodo National Park using a replacement boat.
The police urge tourists to verify the credibility of travel agents through official platforms or tourism associations to avoid similar cases.
Writer/Editor: Istana Netizen.Com Media Editorial Team
===========================
Polisi Tahan Pemilik Agen Travel di Labuan Bajo : Dugaan Penipuan Wisatawan Asing !
ISTANETIZEN.COM – Polres Manggarai Barat menahan seorang pemilik agen perjalanan di Labuan Bajo atas dugaan penipuan terhadap rombongan wisatawan asal Malaysia dan Singapura. Kerugian ditaksir mencapai Rp85,2 juta.
Tersangka berinisial KA (32) ditangkap setelah diduga menggunakan dana pembayaran paket wisata untuk kepentingan pribadi. Akibatnya, rombongan yang terdiri dari delapan orang dewasa dan dua anak sempat mengalami keterlambatan layanan saat tiba di Bandara Internasional Komodo pada Kamis 7 Mei 2026.
“Pelaku resmi ditahan oleh penyidik. Kami tidak memberikan toleransi terhadap oknum yang merusak citra pariwisata,” ujar Kasat Reskrim Polres Manggarai Barat, AKP Lufthi Darmawan Aditya, Minggu 10 Mei 2026.
Kasus berawal dari perwakilan korban berinisial SS (34) yang mentransfer dana secara bertahap sejak Maret hingga Mei 2026 kepada agen “Labuan Bajo Top” milik tersangka. Dana tersebut diperuntukkan bagi sewa kapal pesiar empat hari tiga malam, tiket masuk Taman Nasional Komodo, dan akomodasi hotel premium.
Namun setibanya di Labuan Bajo, rombongan diarahkan ke hotel yang berbeda dari kesepakatan. Operator kapal juga menolak beroperasi karena belum menerima pembayaran dari tersangka.
“Korban sudah bayar lunas, tapi sesampainya di sini justru ditelantarkan. Terlapor juga sangat sulit dihubungi,” kata Lufthi.
Polisi sempat memfasilitasi mediasi antara korban dan tersangka. Karena tidak mencapai kesepakatan, penyidik kemudian menangkap KA. Dalam pemeriksaan, tersangka mengakui seluruh dana telah digunakan untuk keperluan pribadi.
Kini KA ditahan di Rutan Polres Manggarai Barat selama 20 hari untuk proses penyidikan. Ia dijerat Pasal 492 KUHP tentang penipuan dengan ancaman hukuman maksimal empat tahun penjara.
Polisi memastikan rombongan wisatawan tetap dapat melanjutkan perjalanan. Dengan bantuan aparat dan otoritas setempat, para turis akhirnya berlayar ke Taman Nasional Komodo menggunakan kapal pengganti.
Pihak kepolisian mengimbau wisatawan memverifikasi kredibilitas agen perjalanan melalui platform resmi atau asosiasi pariwisata guna menghindari kasus serupa.
Penulis/ Editor: Tim Redaksi Media Istana Netizen.Com
