Prosecutors in Denpasar announced today that four Indonesians have been detained in light of a recent scandal surrounding the issuance of national identity cards (KTP) to two foreign nationals.
The Indonesian suspects were identified by their initials only: IWS, IKS, NKM, and PNP. The two foreigners, KR, the Ukrainian, and MNZ, the Syrian, were also arrested.
IWS was known to be a village head in South Denpasar while IKS worked part-time at the North Denpasar District Office.
NKM and PNP were identified as the middlemen who connected KR and MNZ to IWS and IKS.
“Investigators found initial evidence to determine those who will be held accountable,” Denpasar Prosecutors’ Office Head Rudy Hartono said.
As previously reported, the Syrian man used the fake Indonesian name Agung Nizar Santoso in the KTP, while the Ukrainian identified himself as Alexander Nur Rudi.
In addition to KTPs, MNZ and KR reportedly also each owned a Family Card (KK) and local ATM cards, and they were in the process of applying for tax identification numbers (NPWP).
MNZ reportedly told authorities that he had paid IDR15 million (US$973) for the proof of citizenship including birth certificates, while KR paid IDR31 million (US$2,012) for his.
MNZ said he needed the KTP to open an Indonesian bank account, while KR wanted the national ID card in order to stay in Indonesia for a long time and escape the war in his home country.
