Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Authorities in Gowa, South Sulawesi, have uncovered a counterfeit money operation allegedly running within the campus of Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Alauddin. The discovery, involving university staff and officials, has shocked the local community.
Police confiscated counterfeit money worth hundreds of millions of rupiah, along with equipment used in its production. The case came to light after a suspect was apprehended on November 26, 2024, for distributing fake currency. Further investigation led officers to the operation’s hub within the UIN Alauddin campus.
Iptu Firman, the Chief of Pallangga Police Precinct, confirmed that evidence and suspects are now in custody at the Gowa Police Headquarters. “For more detailed information, please contact the criminal investigation division,” Firman stated on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Iptu Kusman Jaya, the spokesperson for Gowa Police, also verified the discovery but emphasized that investigations are ongoing. “We will provide an official update from the criminal investigation unit once available,” he noted on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Recent reports indicate that a UIN Alauddin lecturer was detained on November 30, 2024, for alleged involvement in the counterfeit money network. Several university employees are also under investigation to determine their roles in the operation.
UIN Alauddin Rector Prof. Hamdan Juhannis has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and stressed that those involved represent isolated cases. “The arrested individuals are rogue elements. Much of the circulated information is speculative, as the police have not released detailed findings to the university,” Hamdan stated on December 14, 2024.
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Hamdan assured the public that the university would impose strict sanctions on any proven offenders following official confirmation from law enforcement. “We await formal communication from the police and will ensure appropriate disciplinary action is taken against those involved.”
The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns over the misuse of academic environments for criminal activities. As police investigations continue, the community awaits further clarity on the extent of the network’s operations and the involvement of university personnel.
(Becky)
