✍️ By: RPL | Investigative Team NTT
📍 Editor: Kenzo | ASWINNEWS.COM ~Editorial Board
Sharp, Accurate, Trusted, Balanced, and Up-to-Date
Kupang, June 12, 2025 — The alleged scandal involving Stefanus Atok Bau, Chairman of the Belu Branch of the Indonesian Veterans Legion (LVRI), has entered a decisive stage. The National Executive Board (DPP LVRI) held an ethics hearing at the LVRI Veterans Affairs Office (Kaminvet) in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday (June 12) at 10:00 AM WITA.
The session, led by Inspector General (Ret.) Zainal Abidin Ishak and Commissioner (Ret.) Hari Waluyo, is a pivotal moment in the investigation of serious allegations against Atok Bau — ranging from illegal levies (pungli) and identity forgery, to the unlawful recruitment of thousands of veteran candidates across Belu and neighboring districts.
Key Allegations: From Extortion to Identity Manipulation
Based on verified investigation findings and formal reports submitted to DPP LVRI, the AswinNews Investigative Team has identified five major points of concern:
- Illegal Levies in Collusion with Military Officials
Atok Bau is accused of working with the late Maj. (Ret.) Longginus Lelo to extort money from veteran applicants. This case was previously tried at the Surabaya Military Court, where Lelo was sentenced to three months in prison. - Unlawful Recruitment of 6,000 Veteran Candidates
Between 2010–2014, Atok Bau allegedly recruited over 6,000 individuals to become veterans without following official procedures via Minvet or local Babinsa military authorities. Most application documents were reportedly forged and backdated, all marked July 12, 2009. - Age Falsification up to Five Times
There is documented evidence of Atok Bau falsifying his age to meet administrative requirements for veteran status. A sworn statement from former Wanra members (Kompi 3 Laktutus) asserts that Atok Bau was only 5 years old during the 1975 conflict. - Dual Veteran Certification (SK)
Atok Bau reportedly possesses two conflicting veteran decrees, yet his name does not appear in the official Kaminvet registry. This raises strong suspicions of identity manipulation for personal gain. - Legitimacy of LVRI Membership Under Scrutiny
Due to the irregular recruitment process and disputed documentation, demands have emerged for DPP LVRI to revoke Atok Bau’s veteran status and remove him from his position as Chairman of LVRI Belu.
Pressure Mounts from 1975 Veterans and Military: Calls for Justice and Institutional Integrity
On Tuesday (June 10), several 1975–1976 war veterans from Kompi 3 Laktutus met with the Commander of Kodim 1605/Belu to urge action against extortion and fraud that have affected thousands, especially concerning Honor Allowance Funds (Dahor) and veteran credit programs.
The regional military commander, Danrem 161/Wira Sakti, has also instructed a swift resolution of the case. The alleged misconduct by Atok Bau is considered damaging not only to public trust, but to the institutional integrity of veteran recognition systems.
Media Battle and Legal Threats: Journalist Summoned, Portal Disputed
The case has triggered a public discourse war. A news portal, Aktaduma.com, published a counter-narrative dismissing the allegations against Atok Bau and accusing ex-members of the so-called “Team 10” of being the real culprits of extortion. This claim was refuted by the local military (Dandim and Danrem), who stated that the report was false and called the journalist in for clarification.
Meanwhile, Atok Bau’s legal counsel, Fransisco Bernando Bessi, SH, MH, has filed a press complaint against AswinNews.com with the Indonesian Press Council, accusing the outlet of defamation. However, AswinNews insists the report is grounded in on-site verification and has provided equal opportunity for right of reply.
“We regret the legal action taken before any formal request for a right of reply. This bypasses journalistic ethics,” stated the editorial board.
Investigation Outlook: DPP LVRI and Legal Authorities Under Watch
This case goes beyond individual misconduct — it tests the credibility of Indonesia’s national veterans’ institution. The DPP LVRI ethics tribunal serves as a litmus test for the organization’s commitment to upholding the honor of legitimate veterans and cleansing internal corruption.
With criminal investigations now in motion, observers urge that the matter not stop at the ethics board, but proceed into full legal prosecution to provide justice for the thousands allegedly deceived and financially harmed.
Editor’s Note:
This article is part of AswinNews’ ongoing investigative series on alleged veteran certification fraud in East Nusa Tenggara. Our newsroom continues to verify every lead and welcomes clarification or rebuttal in accordance with balanced reporting standards.
