Update on the Geostationary Orbit Scandal
Two weeks ago, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, stated that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had ordered an investigation into alleged violations of law in satellite management cooperation at the Ministry of Defense. The case supposedly cost the State around Rp800 billion. The last time we reported on the subject matter was in 2018, when the Government was sued by one of its partners on suspicion of default. But something bigger than just a breach of contract is brewing: allegations of corruption. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) announced that it had commenced an investigation into the case a week before the press conference was held. The day after the announcement, the investigation escalated to the stage of inquisition. On Jan. 26, 2022, the AGO continued the examination and the witness they summoned caught our attention.
Revisiting the Balikpapan Oil Spill Case
An oil spill happened in Balikpapan Bay on March 31, 2018. An anchor dropped by MV Ever Judger ruptured a PT Pertamina's pipeline. As a result, oil spilled into the sea, triggered a fire, and claimed the lives of five local fishermen. Since the incident, the vessel's...
Extradition Treaty with Singapore and the Criminals
This week, the bilateral treaty that Indonesia and Singapore agreed on during the Leaders’ Retreat was spotlighted. One of the agreements between the two parties is regarding the extradition of criminals, which is said to provide a deterrent effect for perpetrators of crimes, especially in corruption cases. This agreement deserves appreciation, but we also know this is not the first time for such a treaty. The two countries had agreed on an extradition treaty in 2007, but the agreement could not take effect because a prolonged ratification process involving the House of Representatives hindered it. Now, can the latest extradition treaty come into force for both countries? Moreover, who are the perpetrators of crimes allegedly hiding in Singapore?
On the Corruption in Probolinggo
The KPK conducted a sting operation in Probolinggo and arrested dozens of parties, including Regent of Probolinggo, Puput Tantriana Sari, and her husband, in August 2021. The case eventually ensnared 22 suspects. The inquisition process was done very quickly. Puput and her husband face their trial this week. The other suspects have already been on trial.
Demands for Azis Syamsuddin
The disgraced Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Azis Syamsuddin (Golkar) was named a suspect for his alleged involvement in the case brokering scandal in the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). In less than six months, his trial is reaching the finish line. On Jan. 24, 2022, the prosecutors read their demands and asked the Panel of Judges to declare Azis guilty as charged.
Peace for Sritex
Textile giant PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (SRIL or Sritex) and its subsidiaries have had a tough year. After facing various lawsuits for Suspension of Debt Payment (PKPU), with threat of being delisted from the stock exchange and finally having to restructure its debts, on Jan, 21, 2022, the group was able to convince its creditors and resolved the dispute.
Environmental Law Journal: Protected Forest Destruction in Batam
We recently learned that the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has long been monitoring and enforcing the law in Batam against the perpetrators of the destruction of protected forests. Some of the perpetrators have been convicted.
KPK Sting Operation: Surabaya District Court
On Jan, 19, 2022, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation at the Surabaya District Court. It has been a while since the last time the KPK arrested a judge. Judge Itong Isnaeni Hidayat, a registrar of the same court, and a legal counsel were arrested. On Jan. 21, 2022, the KPK named the three as suspects. Before being caught red-handed, Judge Itong already had a bad track record.
KPK Sting Operation: North Sumatera, Again
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) ‘s third sting operation in 2022 tells us that people seldom learn. The operation ensnared the Regent of Langkat, Terbit Rencana Peranginangin (Golkar). Langkat is a regency in North Sumatera, and in our records, Terbit is the 16th regional head of North Sumatera embroiled in a corruption scandal in less than a decade.
Update on the Battle against Perpetrators of Forest Fires
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s effort to force the perpetrators of the 2019 forest fires to take responsibility for the fires that occurred in their concession areas continue to this day. Recently, the Ministry filed two lawsuits against two companies in two different district courts, one of which is PT Rafi Kamajaya Abadi (PT RKA), part of Terengganu-owned TDM Berhad.