Car Overcredit Dispute Escalates into Kidnapping in South Tangerang, Indonesia
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A harrowing kidnapping case in South Tangerang, Indonesia, has exposed a dark underbelly of financial disputes and alleged involvement of naval personnel. A married couple, identified only by their initials I and DJ, along with two colleagues, NA and AAM, were abducted after becoming entangled in a car sale stemming from an initial overcredit agreement.
Origins of the Dispute: A Failed Overcredit Deal
The ordeal began with a financial arrangement between two individuals, MAM and NN, concerning an Alphard vehicle.According to authorities, MAM initially overcredited the car to NN, having paid Rp. 75 million with an outstanding balance of approximately Rp. 400 million. However, NN allegedly failed to uphold his end of the agreement, instead selling the vehicle to another party without settling the debt.
“So initially it happened that the Alphard car was going to be overcredited, initially,” a senior official stated. “NN had not fulfilled his obligations. He sold it again to someone else.”
MAM, discovering the resale, reportedly took matters into his own hands, kidnapping NN for three weeks in an attempt to recover his funds and locate the vehicle. During this period, NN revealed that the car had been sold to I.
Escalation to Kidnapping and Captivity
NN then contacted I, offering to sell the vehicle.I transferred Rp. 49 million, but NN subsequently lured I, along with his wife DJ and colleagues NA and AAM, to a meeting at an angkringan (street food stall) in Jagakarsa, where they were all kidnapped.
“As soon as IDR 49 million was transferred, I wanted to ask them to meet, and they were kidnapped,” the official explained.
The group was then transported to the residence of MA in Pondok Aren, South Tangerang, where they were held captive. Authorities clarified that MA was a business associate of MAM, who had been asked to provide his property for the kidnapping, with no familial connection to the othre suspects.
“So the other suspect (MA), just… doesn’t know the problem, but he borrowed his house like that,” the official stated. “There are no family relations, none, pure he wants to get to know him, wants to be invited to do business.”
The situation took a further disturbing turn with allegations that MAM enlisted the help of two members of the Indonesian Navy (AL) to guard the house used as a detention center. MAM reportedly paid the naval personnel IDR 20 million for a two-week period. Authorities have confirmed they will coordinate with the Naval Police (POM AL) to investigate these claims.
“Yes (will coordinate with POM AL),” the official added.
Brutal Torture of Victims
The victims endured horrific treatment during their captivity. One of the victims, Indra, detailed the abuse in a video statement, describing being whipped with hoses, cables, and clothes hangers, and even subjected to burns with cigarettes.
“Some use hoses, some use cables, and clothes hangers, hanger burned with cigarettes,” Indra recounted. He also reported injuries to his legs,face,and head.
Nine Suspects Named
Police have identified nine suspects in the case: MAM, NN, VS, HJE, S, APN, Z, I, and MA. The examination is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full extent of the conspiracy and bring all those responsible to justice.
This case underscores the risky consequences of unregulated financial transactions and the lengths to which individuals may go when pursuing perceived injustices. The alleged involvement of naval personnel raises serious questions about accountability and the potential for abuse of power.
