LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — The owner of a travel agency accused of defrauding a group of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia’s famous Komodo National Park has been released from detention after returning the victims’ money in full, with police moving to resolve the case through restorative justice.
The suspect, Kristoforus Aman, known locally as Itok Aman, had spent 48 days in police custody after being arrested over allegations that he misused Rp. 85.2 million (approximately US$5,200) paid by travelers for a premium Komodo Islands holiday.
Authorities confirmed this week that the Malaysian victim, who represented a group of travelers from Malaysia and Singapore, agreed to withdraw the complaint after receiving full compensation.
“The suspect demonstrated genuine good faith by reimbursing the victims’ financial losses in full,” said AKP Lufthi Darmawan Aditya, head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at West Manggarai Police.
A Holiday That Never Happened
According to investigators, the case began earlier this year when the group booked a luxury four-day, three-night sailing trip around Komodo National Park, one of Indonesia’s best-known UNESCO destinations.
The package included accommodation aboard the MY Moon liveaboard vessel, hotel reservations in Labuan Bajo, and entrance fees to the national park.
After paying the full amount between March and May, the travelers arrived in Labuan Bajo expecting the holiday they had purchased.
Instead, police say they were taken to a different hotel than the one originally booked, while the tour boat operator reportedly informed them that no payment had ever been received.
Authorities said repeated attempts by the tourists to contact the travel agent were unsuccessful, leaving the group stranded without the services they had already paid for.
Police Say Funds Were Spent Elsewhere
The investigation later revealed that the money allegedly had not been used to secure the tourism services promised to the visitors.
Police allege the suspect spent the funds on online gambling and personal daily expenses, including food, cigarettes, and fuel.
Investigators also discovered that the travel business operated primarily through Instagram and did not maintain a physical office in Labuan Bajo.
The suspect was subsequently charged under Indonesia’s Criminal Code on allegations of fraud and embezzlement, offenses carrying a maximum prison sentence of four years.
Why the Case Will Not Go to Trial
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Indonesian police said the investigation is now being closed under the country’s restorative justice framework.
The decision followed a formal settlement between the suspect and the victim after the full refund was made.
Police explained that restorative justice allows certain criminal cases to be resolved outside court when the victim’s losses have been fully restored, both parties voluntarily reach a settlement, and legal requirements are satisfied.
Authorities stressed that the process still requires formal legal review before investigators officially discontinue the case.
Police are expected to hold a case review before issuing an order to terminate the investigation, with the decision also requiring notification to prosecutors and the local district court.
A Reminder for Travelers Booking Tours
Labuan Bajo has become one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, attracting visitors from around the world as the main gateway to Komodo National Park.
While the overwhelming majority of licensed operators provide professional services, the case highlights the importance of booking tours through established agencies with verified business credentials, clear payment documentation, and transparent communication.
For international travelers planning trips to Komodo or other Indonesian destinations, tourism experts recommend confirming accommodation and boat reservations directly with service providers whenever possible, especially for high-value bookings made online.
The case also demonstrates that when tourism-related disputes arise, Indonesian authorities may pursue not only criminal investigations but, in certain circumstances, legal resolutions focused on restoring victims’ financial losses before concluding a case.