Annar Salahuddin Sampetoding optimis maju Pilgub Sulsel (Liputan6.com/Fauzan)
The name Annar Salahuddin Sampetoding suddenly became the public spotlight after being named a suspect in the counterfeit money factory case at the UIN Alauddin Campus, Makassar . Known as a successful businessman and community figure in South Sulawesi, he is now facing serious charges related to his involvement as a financier in a counterfeit money-making operation that has disturbed the community.
The case began when police officers found traces of Annar as the main donor who financed the purchase of materials and printing machines from China to produce counterfeit money. Police said that this operation involved a large syndicate network and had been going on since 2010, with several stops and reactivation in 2022.
The ongoing investigation revealed that the counterfeit money factory not only damaged the community's economy, but also used campus facilities for illegal activities. The police also named 17 other suspects with various backgrounds, including civil servants and academics, who were involved in the network.
Annar Salahuddin Sampetoding is a businessman from Makassar and Toraja who has a long track record in the business world and organizations. He is known as the President Director of Siner Group and President Commissioner of Sulwood Group , two large companies engaged in the industrial and forestry sectors.
Annar's career in business is supported by his position as Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) of South Sulawesi for Forestry & Plantation for two terms, as well as Deputy Chairman of KADIN Indonesia for the Eastern Region in 2013-2016. In addition, he also served as Chairman of KONI South Sulawesi for Funds and Business.
In addition to his career in business, Annar is also active in politics. In the 2024 South Sulawesi gubernatorial election, he had nominated himself as a prospective gubernatorial candidate through several major parties, although he ultimately failed to gain enough support to advance.
"The person concerned is already a suspect. He will be released directly on Monday. The Regional Police Chief (South Sulawesi) will provide further information," said Gowa Police Chief, AKBP Reonald Simanjuntak.
Police investigations revealed that Annar played a key role as the main financier in the counterfeit money-making operation. He allegedly financed the purchase of raw materials, including a two-ton printing machine imported from China via Surabaya, at a total cost of Rp600 million.
Annar's house on Jalan Sunu 3, Makassar, is said to be the initial location of production before being moved to the UIN Alauddin Campus to utilize equipment with a larger capacity. This decision was taken after production volumes increased and required more adequate facilities to continue the operation.
In addition to providing funds, Annar also introduced other key players in the network, including MS, who was responsible for printing counterfeit money, and AI, the head of the UIN Alauddin library who facilitated the production location.
Annar Salahuddin Sampetoding was officially named a suspect on December 28, 2024 after undergoing intensive examination for 2x24 hours at the Gowa Police. Gowa Police Chief, AKBP Reonald Simanjuntak, confirmed that Annar had significant involvement in this network.
Annar's arrest was made after investigators found strong evidence regarding the flow of funds used to purchase equipment and printing materials. In addition to Annar, the police also named 17 other suspects who had different roles in the network, ranging from purchasing equipment, production, to distributing counterfeit money.
Currently, the police are also still hunting for three other people who are on the wanted list (DPO) because they are suspected of having a crucial role in this operation. This case continues to develop with allegations of a wider network behind the production of counterfeit money.
"Yes, it's true that there are 17 suspects in this counterfeit money circulation case," explained the South Sulawesi Police Chief, Inspector General Yudhiawan Wibisono.
The counterfeit money factory case at UIN Alauddin has had a major impact on public trust in educational institutions and security systems. The production of counterfeit money involving academics and campus officials highlights the weakness of internal supervision and control of activities in educational institutions.
Economically, counterfeit money that has been circulating has the potential to harm the market and lower the exchange rate in the affected areas. Police noted that billions of rupiah worth of counterfeit money has been distributed through transactions in local markets and other trading activities.
The social impacts arising from this case also trigger unrest in society, especially related to the security of financial transactions and consumer protection. This case adds to the long list of economic crimes that damage social stability in Indonesia.
(brl/red)
