Head of the Surabaya Class I Special Immigration Office (TPI) Agus Winarto said on Wednesday that the case was uncovered through coordination among various parties at Juanda International Airport in Sidoarjo, including Angkasa Pura, the Indonesian Navy Air Base, the Juanda Airport Task Force, and the airline.
“This incident occurred on Citilink flight QG716, en route from Jakarta (CGK) to Surabaya (SUB), on Thursday, January 22, 2026,” he explained.
Based on an initial report, the victim, a Malaysian citizen, discovered that Rp5 million (approximately US$289) and US$500 were missing from his carry-on bag.
“According to the victim’s statement, the incident happened when he left his seat to use the restroom,” Winarto said.
A cabin crew member then informed the victim that someone, later identified as WM, had been seen taking the victim’s bag from the overhead compartment.
“When he returned to his seat, the victim found his bag open next to the suspect,” he added.
Winarto said a joint inspection involving the cabin crew was subsequently conducted, during which the suspect suddenly threw some money onto the victim’s seat.
“The two suspects arrested are Chinese nationals with the initials WM and LJ, who are suspected of acting in collusion,” he continued.
Both suspects have been taken to the Surabaya Class I Special Immigration Office (TPI) office for further examination.
During questioning, WM admitted to taking the victim’s money, despite initially claiming that he had mistaken the bag for his own.
According to Winarto, the two suspects will be subject to administrative immigration measures under Article 75 of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, including deportation to their country of origin and deterrence (blacklisting).
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Translator: Indra Setiawan, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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