Corruption in Kolaka Timur
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) only conducted five sting operations in 2021. One of them is the sting operation that caught the Regent of Kolaka Timur, Andi Merya Nur (NasDem). Recently, the KPK announced the result of the investigation and named Andi Merya a suspect for allegedly bribing an official at the Ministry of Home Affairs. At the heart of the case is the Regent’s attempt to take advantage of the National Economic Recovery (PEN) funds handed to regions for overcoming difficulties due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
More Problems surrounding PICO
Last year, we reported on several legal issues faced by PT Pelangi Indah Canindo Tbk (PICO), a cylinder tank manufacturer. In addition to the lawsuit on Suspension of Debt Payment filed against the Company, the Company is also in dispute with one of its creditors in two different courts. The problems do not end there. Until two weeks ago, PICO was involved in seven lawsuits registered in three different courts, but all the lawsuits are related to each other.
On Garuda Indonesia’s PKPU
PT Garuda Indonesia continues to show commitment to its creditors in the Suspension of Debts Payment (PKPU) process. Last week, the PKPU process was again extended for another 60 days. Garuda Indonesia has until March 21, 2022 to compile their peace proposal.
On Tax Corruption Scandal: A New Trial
We began 2021 with a corruption case involving tax officials. The allegation was scandalous. Officials had allegedly transacted and helped three large companies avoid their tax obligations. One of said companies was owned by the notorious Haji Isam. After several months of speculation, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) announced the suspects, but nothing really interesting happened in the trial of suspect Angin Prayitno Aji. Later, the KPK named two new suspects; both were employees of the Directorate General of Taxation. The inquisition of the two suspects progressed rapidly. The details mentioned in the latest indictment is even more shocking than the predicate crime. One of the suspects allegedly laundered money with the help of his son.
KPK’s Corporate Suspect: The Trial of PT Merial Esa
In 2016, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) successfully cooperated with the Supreme Court and ratified the Supreme Court Regulation (Perma) No. 3/2016 on the procedures for examining cases involving corporations. According to the Perma, companies involved in cases of corruption can be held accountable. In 2017 the KPK named the first corporation suspect and to date, seven companies have been named suspects. Nevertheless, the inquisition process is more difficult than expected.
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.