 |
| Company Director Arrested over K-Pop Concert Fund Misuse |
The spotlight is once again on one of Indonesia’s biggest K-pop promoters, PT Melani Citra Permata (Mecimapro), after its director, Fransiska Dwi Melani, was officially named a suspect in an alleged fund misuse case involving the TWICE “Ready To Be” concert held in Jakarta in December 2023.
According to Polda Metro Jaya, the decision came following an extensive investigation into a report filed by PT Media Inspirasi Bangsa (MIB) — the main investor of the concert — back in January 2025.
MIB claimed that the funds they invested for the event were not used as agreed in the partnership contract.
Police spokesperson AKBP Reonald Simanjuntak confirmed that Fransiska has been detained as an official suspect, saying, “The individual in question has been detained, meaning they are now legally a suspect.”
From Star-Studded Concert to Legal Battle
The TWICE concert, held on 23 December 2023, was supposed to be a major event under Mecimapro’s management, supported by MIB’s multi-million-dollar investment covering production, logistics, and promotions.
However, things reportedly went south soon after the concert ended.
MIB claimed they never received proper financial reports or returns as promised under the cooperation agreement.
Despite several attempts at friendly resolution — including sending a formal warning letter (somasi) and seeking dialogue — Mecimapro allegedly never responded.
Feeling stonewalled, MIB escalated the matter by lodging an official police report on 10 January 2025, accusing the promoter of violating Articles 372 and 378 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code (KUHP), which cover embezzlement and fraud.
Investigation and Case Progress
The investigation gathered statements from multiple witnesses, as well as detailed documentation of the partnership and investment flows.
Police analysts reportedly found evidence suggesting possible misuse of the concert funds, prompting them to move forward with suspect designation in September 2025.
As of late October, police have handed the case file to prosecutors for review.
If deemed complete (P21), the case will proceed to trial. Otherwise, prosecutors may return it (P19) for further clarification.
“The file has reached stage one. The prosecutor’s office is currently reviewing it. Hopefully, it will be declared complete soon,” Reonald added.
Mecimapro’s Legacy and String of Controversies
Founded in 2015, Mecimapro quickly rose to prominence as a key bridge between Indonesian fans and the Korean entertainment industry.
Under Fransiska Dwi Melani’s leadership, the company has hosted countless fan meetings and K-pop concerts, including SEVENTEEN, ITZY, TREASURE, (G)I-DLE, and Super Junior, becoming a household name in the Hallyu event scene.
However, alongside its fame, the promoter has faced a trail of controversies over the years — from ticketing chaos to refund complaints.
Here’s a quick flashback of Mecimapro’s turbulent track record:
-
SEVENTEEN “Diamond Edge in Jakarta” (2017) – Fans protested sudden seat plan changes and chaotic send-off sessions, with #ShameOnYouMecimapro trending on social media.
-
Ticketing Issues (2022) – During SEVENTEEN and Super Junior’s concerts, Mecimapro was criticised for messy ticket systems and restrictions on fan projects.
-
IVE Concert Refund Chaos (2024) – Postponement led to refund delays, with many fans claiming they hadn’t received their money back even months later.
-
Day6 Venue Shuffle (2025) – A last-minute venue change from JIS to Stadion Madya GBK caused logistical nightmares for concertgoers.
-
Treasure Tour Queue Drama (2024) – Fans complained about queue numbers not matching ticket categories, sparking fairness debates.
-
SEVENTEEN “Right Here” Ticket Exchange Mess (2025) – Long queues at Lotte Mall Jakarta drew criticism for inefficient management and fan safety issues.
-
TWICE “Ready to Be” Fund Misuse Case (2023) – The latest and most serious controversy, now involving alleged millions of USD in misused investment funds.
Industry Reaction
The incident has shaken confidence in large-scale concert promoters and reignited discussions about financial transparency in Indonesia’s booming K-pop event scene.
While Mecimapro remains silent, fans and investors alike are closely watching how the court proceedings unfold.
As one fan posted on social media, “We just hope this case clears up soon — it’s heartbreaking to see a promoter that brought so many idols here facing something like this.”
The Mecimapro–TWICE concert case paints a vivid picture of the behind-the-scenes risks of the live entertainment business.
From investment partnerships gone sour to police detainment, the issue serves as a wake-up call for more accountable and transparent event management in the future.
Source: CNN ID