Four Suspects Detained in Surabaya Eviction Case Involving 80-Year-Old Grandmother
A harrowing case of alleged forced eviction and demolition in Surabaya, Indonesia, has led to the arrest of four suspects by the East Java Regional Police (Jatim). The case centers around the destruction of the home of 80-year-old Elina Widjajanti, and has sparked public outcry.
The latest arrest, occurring on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, involved a 40-year-old man identified only by his initials, WE. He was apprehended in the Tandes District of Surabaya City and is currently undergoing further examination by investigators. This brings the total number of individuals detained in connection with the case to four.
The initial suspect, Samuel (SAK), claims to have legally purchased the land on which Grandma Elina’s house stood. However, Elina’s family disputes this claim. The second and third suspects, Yasin (MY) and Klowor (SY), are reportedly members of local mass organizations and are accused of assisting Samuel in the forceful eviction, allegedly even physically lifting Grandma Elina.
According to a statement from Police Commissioner Jules Abraham Abast, Head of Public Relations for the East Java Regional Police, WE’s involvement stemmed from ordering Klowor (SY) to guard the victim’s property following a visit from Samuel and his associates. “Suspect WE ordered suspect SY alias Klowor to guard the house,” Abast stated on Friday, January 2, 2026. This action allegedly aimed to prevent Elina’s family from re-entering their home.
The events unfolded after Samuel’s group visited Elina on August 5, 2025, followed by the alleged demolition of her house on August 6, 2025, located at Dukuh Kuwukan No. 27 RT.005, RW.006, Lontar Village, Sambikerep District, Surabaya City. Elina subsequently filed a police report on October 29, 2025, under the number LP/B/1546/X/2025/SPKT/POLDA EAST JAVA.
The four suspects now face charges under Article 170 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), which pertains to acts of joint violence against persons or property in public. The maximum penalty for this offense is five years and six months imprisonment.
The case is further complicated by allegations of document forgery, with Elina’s family claiming that her shophouse certificate and fish pond documentation have also gone missing following the demolition. Samuel maintains he purchased the land and building in 2014 from Elisa Irawati, the previous owner. However, Elisa was Elina’s unmarried sister who passed away in 2017, leaving six heirs, including Elina.
As the investigation continues, the case highlights concerns regarding land rights, the use of force in evictions, and the vulnerability of elderly citizens in property disputes.
