Makassar, Indonesia Sentinel — Authorities have detained four Lion Air baggage handlers at Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar, Indonesia, on allegations of theft. The suspect allegedly breaking into a passenger’s suitcase and stealing gold jewelry.
The incident came to light when a passenger, upon arriving at Haluoleo Airport in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, discovered that their gold jewelry was missing. The distraught passenger reacted hysterically, and a video capturing the moment quickly went viral on social media.
Following an investigation, authorities determined that the theft did not occur at Haluoleo Airport, but rather at Hasanuddin Airport, where the passenger’s journey began.
Incident Chronology
According to Kompas, the incident took place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, when the victim boarded Lion Air flight JT 992 from Makassar to Kendari. Upon arrival at Haluoleo Airport, the passenger retrieved their suitcase and immediately noticed something was amiss.
The suitcase’s lock appeared to be damaged. When the passenger opened the suitcase, they found that several pieces of gold jewelry were missing. The stolen items including a gold ring weighing 1.85 grams, a gold bracelet weighing 2.98 grams, and a black wristwatch.
The total loss was estimated at approximately Rp7.6 million (around $500 USD). Overcome with distress, the passenger’s emotional reaction drew the attention of fellow travelers, and a video of the moment soon spread across social media.
Airport Response
Haluoleo Airport spokesperson Nurlansyah clarified that the theft did not take place at Kendari’s Haluoleo Airport but rather at Makassar’s Hasanuddin Airport.
“The incident did not occur at Haluoleo Airport. The passenger traveled on Lion Air JT 992 from Makassar to Kendari on February 8, 2025,” Nurlansyah stated on Monday, February 10, 2025.
He further explained that the passenger only realized their valuables were missing after arriving in Kendari and opening their suitcase.
“The viral video was indeed taken at Haluoleo Airport, but the theft itself did not occur there. The case is currently under investigation by the Hasanuddin Airport Police in Maros,” he added.
Arrest of Suspects
Ranomeeto Police Chief AKP Muh Ansar confirmed that after receiving the report, authorities conducted an inspection at Haluoleo Airport to verify the theft allegations.
“We cross-checked with Haluoleo Airport officials and confirmed that a criminal act of theft had occurred. The suitcase was indeed tampered with before reaching Kendari,” AKP Ansar stated.
Following the investigation, four Lion Air baggage handlers at Hasanuddin Airport were taken into custody by local authorities. The suspects are now undergoing questioning at the Maros Police Station.
“They are still under investigation. The suspected theft occurred on Saturday, February 8, 2025, while the suitcase was in the cargo hold of Lion Air flight JT 992, which arrived at Haluoleo Airport in the afternoon,” he added.
Lion Air’s Response
In response to the incident, Lion Air Group has launched an internal investigation to determine the cause of the theft and take appropriate action.
“Our team is conducting a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the incident and implement necessary measures. We are committed to providing recommendations and solutions in accordance with established procedures and policies,” a Lion Air spokesperson stated, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
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The airline reaffirmed its commitment to passenger security and advised travelers to store valuables in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage.
“We urge passengers to keep their valuables in carry-on luggage and monitor them throughout their journey, as per our established guidelines. Further updates will be provided once our investigation is complete,” the spokesperson added.
(Raidi/Agung)
