Keraton Agung Sejagat Linked to Another Cult, Says Police

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Yogyakarta Police suspects the cult which shot to social media stardom, Keraton Agung Sejagat (the Great Palace of Universe), operating in Purworejo, Central Java, led by its “King” Totok Santoso had previously operated in Yogyakarta under another name dubbed Jogja Development Committee or “Jogja Dec.” 

“This case in Purworejo involves the same individual [named Totok] who used to conduct activities in Yogyakarta together with his organization, we are still confirming this,” said Yogyakarta police general criminal investigation director, Burkan Rudi Satria on Tuesday, January 14. 

The cult leader Totok led his followers with his wife, Fanni Aminadia, who proclaims to be Kanjeng Ratu Dyah Gitarja. She was arrested by the Purworejo Police at her “kingdom” in the region on Tuesday evening. 

Previously, the Jogja Dec cult believed to be established by Totok worked under a scheme resembling a Ponzi scheme, which turned to be a blatant scam. Potential members would have to pay a number of fees to become a member with the promise of being rewarded with monthly salaries up to USD 100-200 Totok claims will be sourced from a Swiss Bank named Esa Monetary Fund (EMF).

“I can precisely remember his modus operandi at the time, [he claims] the money that would be granted for members with salaries left behind by President Soekarno overseas,” said the police director. 

Jogja Dec slowly dissipated from existence by itself and was never heard of again until news of the Keraton Agung Sejagat took media headlines, and with it reemerged Totok again. 

PRIBADI WICAKSONO