Batu Aji Police Uncover Alleged Misappropriation of School Funds, Former Principal Named Suspect

BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Batu Aji Police Station has uncovered an alleged case of embezzlement involving an abuse of authority related to school funds at SMA Taruna Kepulauan Riau, located in Buliang Subdistrict, Batu Aji District, Batam City. Following a series of investigative and examination procedures, a former school principal identified by the initials AP (41) was named a suspect. He is accused of misusing school funds collected from students.

The case was uncovered after the Batu Aji Police investigation team received a public report, which was subsequently followed up through professional investigative procedures. On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, police provided an update on the handling of the case involving the management of educational funds.

Financial Audit Reveals Irregularities in Student Payments

Based on the ongoing investigation, AP is suspected of committing an act of embezzlement during his tenure as principal of SMA Taruna Kepulauan Riau. The reported victim in the case is RR (48), chairman of the Yayasan Kemilau Cendikia Indonesia. Among the witnesses questioned by investigators was SEN (26), an employee responsible for the school's financial administration.

The alleged offense began on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time. At that time, the victim checked the SMA Taruna Kepulauan Riau school bank account to verify the management of funds originating from student registration fees and monthly tuition payments.

During the inspection, the victim discovered that the school account contained only Rp41 million in balance. Following the finding, he instructed the accounting staff to conduct an internal audit and cross-check payment records with several students' parents.

The subsequent financial review revealed that payments from 12 parents had been transferred through the suspect's personal bank account or handed directly in cash to AP. These payments were not deposited into the official school account as required by the established administrative procedures.

Based on the audit findings, the victim requested an explanation from AP regarding the use of funds received from students. On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at around 10:00 a.m., both parties met at the principal's office of SMA Taruna Kepulauan Riau.

During the meeting, AP admitted to using foundation funds. The suspect also submitted a written statement regarding the repayment of the funds along with a summary of the payments received. The document showed that the total amount of funds received reached Rp143 million. AP stated his willingness to return the entire amount to the foundation.

Police Arrest Suspect at His Residence

After receiving the report, the Batu Aji Police investigation unit carried out a series of investigative measures. These included securing evidence, questioning several witnesses, and conducting a case review by investigators. Based on these procedures, AP was officially designated as a suspect in the alleged abuse-of-authority case involving the misappropriation of funds.

After receiving information regarding the suspect's whereabouts, the Batu Aji Criminal Investigation Team conducted an arrest operation on Monday, July 27, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m. local time. Officers went to AP's residence and arrested him without resistance.

Following the arrest, AP was taken directly to the Batu Aji Police Headquarters for further investigation. Investigators continue to carry out the legal process in accordance with applicable regulations.

During the investigation, police confiscated several items believed to be related to the case. The seized evidence included one Bank BRI account statement and four Bank BNI account statements.

Suspect Faces Up to Five Years in Prison

Based on the alleged actions, AP is being charged under Article 488 and/or Article 486 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) for alleged embezzlement.

Under these legal provisions, the suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of five years or a fine under the highest category of Category V.

The Batu Aji Police emphasized their commitment to consistently taking action against any form of criminal activity that could harm the public or educational institutions. Police also encouraged the public to strengthen supervision over financial management in workplaces and educational institutions.

The Batu Aji Police urged residents to immediately report suspected criminal acts or disturbances to public security. The public can contact the 24-hour police service at 110 to receive fast, easy, and free assistance. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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