Suspicious Activity and Mystery Surround ATM ‘Palsu’ Money in Gowa
Locals in Gowa were left bewildered when they received their paychecks printed on fake, ‘palsu’ money earlier this week. The counterfeit notes, printed on ordinary paper, were distributed through an ATM belonging to a major bank in the region, causing a mix of confusion and amusement among recipients.
The money, ranging from Rp 50,000 to Rp 1,000,000 notes, bore distinctive marks suggestive of daha, a local spirit, leading some to suspect a ritual or supernatural involvement. The locals, however, remain more curious than fearful, with many sharing photos and stories on social media.
"We thought it was a prank or a social experiment," said one recipient, Andi Ibrahim, a UIN Alauddin student who received the falsified money. "I’ve been using it to pay for coffee and snacks, and vendors are playing along. It’s become a funny story among us students."
Police, however, are taking the matter seriously and have launched an investigation. "We’re treating this as a case of forgery and deceit," said a spokesperson for the Gowa Police. "We’re looking into how this could have happened and who’s responsible."
Survivors of recent floods in Gowa are among those who received the fake money, prompting concerns that it could be a malicious attempt to exploit the vulnerable. "This is no joke," said a flood victim who wished to remain anonymous. "We’re still struggling, and now we have to deal with fake money too."
The bank involved has yet to issue a statement, but unconfirmed reports suggest they’ve begun tracing the source of the counterfeit money. In the meantime, locals continue to marvel at the peculiar turn of events, with many expressing hope that the mystery will be resolved soon.
In an unrelated development, a man named Annar Sampetoding turned himself in at the Gowa Police Station on Thursday, accompanied by two lawyers. He has been in police custody for over three hours, but details of the case remain scarce.
As the ATM ‘palsu’ money continues to baffle and amuse, and the motive behind Annar Sampetoding’s surrender remains elusive, Gowa residents eagerly await developments in these curious cases. Stay tuned for further updates.
