On Corruption in South Sulawesi: Indictment for the Briber
In the morning of Feb. 27, 2021 the KPK surprised the entire country with a series of sting operations. It arrested several people, including Nurdin Abdullah, the then governor of South Sulawesi, who was once praised for his anti-corruption image and intellect. Nurdin is suspected of receiving bribes. The KPK only needed less than three months to finish the docket of the alleged briber. This week, the trial of the briber commences. The case is being examined in the Corruption Court of the Makassar District Court.
On RJ Lino’s Case: Pre-Trial
Two months ago, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) finally decided to detain Richard Joost (RJ) Lino. The former CEO of State-owned port management company PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II (Persero) (Pelindo II) was named suspect in 2015 for his involvement in the allegedly corrupt procurement of three Quay Container Crane (QCC) over a decade ago. When the KPK detained him, Lino expressed relief, but that emotion may have changed. Lino filed a pre-trial lawsuit against the KPK’s decisions, including the decision to detain him. The first hearing of the case started this week.
Bankruptcy/PKPU Journal: Problem following Indosterling PKPU
PT Indosterling Technomedia Tbk (TECH) has had to face a lawsuit on Suspension of Debt Payment (PKPU) due to the High Yield Promissory Notes (HYPN) products issued by its subsidiary PT Indosterling Optima Investa (PT IOI). The company managed to resolve the dispute peacefully, but other problems still exist. The investigation into the allegations of default and fraud reported by the Company’s creditors is ongoing. The process with the police is likely to harm the continuation of the PKPU repayment process.
Bank Bukopin: Bosowa and Rights Issue
Bank Bukopin’s drama with Bosowa Corporindo continues. In the midst of the dispute, Bukopin announced that it would conduct a Rights Issue to strengthen capital structure and support business development.
Latest on the Dispute in Nyonya Meneer
The legendary PT Perindustrian Njonja Meneer (Nyonya Meneer) was declared bankrupt nearly four years ago, but the dispute related to its trademark legacy continues. The parties in dispute—Charles Saerang and PT Bhumi Empon Mustiko (PT BEM)—are fighting over the use of the trademarks. Towards the end of 2020, the Court ruled in favor of the PT BEM. The Supreme Court later reportedly upheld the decision. Nevertheless, Charles Saerang refuses to surrender.
Problems surrounding Sritex (2)
The trials on the lawsuits for Suspension of Debt Payment (PKPU) against the textile giant PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (SRIL or Sritex) continues. On May 6, 2021, the Panel of Judges granted the lawsuit filed by CV Prima Karya, despite rejections from other parties. A day prior, the lawsuit filed against PT Rayon Utama Makmur (PT RUM) was granted. The other lawsuit filed by PT Bank QNB Indonesia Tbk (BKSW) against an affiliated company was surprisingly rejected on May 10, 2021. But on the same day, another lawsuit was registered against the same company. So there are two ongoing temporary PKPU processes related to Sritex and one ongoing PKPU lawsuit.
Corruption in Nganjuk: A New Case
On May 10, 2021, a Sting Operation was reportedly held in Nganjuk, East Java. It was a joint operation between the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim POLRI) and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Later on, the Bareskrim named several suspects, including the current Regent of Nganjuk Novi Rahman Hidhayat. This is the second time in the past three years that a regent of Nganjuk has been caught for corruption. The previous regent, Taufiqurrahman, was also arrested in a Sting Operation in 2017.
On BNI’s Unpaid LC Case : Prosecutors Demands
Nearly a year ago the entire nation was shocked by the news of Maria Pauline Lumowa’s extradition. The key suspect in the case of corruption of PT Bank Negara Indonesia Tbk (BBNI) ‘s loan facility was finally brought home for justice. Maria had been on the run for over 16 years. Her trial began on Jan. 13, 2021. After four months of examinations, on May 10, 2021, the prosecutors read their demands.
On the Corruption in Danareksa: Decisions
Nearly three years ago, we reported on the Attorney General’s Office (AGO)’s investigation into the allegations of corruption involving State-owned Enterprise PT Danareksa (Persero). At the beginning of 2020, the investigation escalated to the stage of inquisition. The AGO named six suspects in two different cases. The Court has found the defendants guilty as charged.
Fara Luwia v. Wilmar International
The founder of PT Lumbung Padi Indonesia (PT LPI) Fara Luwia (officially Luwia Farah Utari) is in a dispute with her business partners PT Sentratama Niaga Indonesia (PT SNI) and PT Natura Wahana Gemilang (PT NWG), subsidiaries of Wilmar International Ltd. The dispute concerns the ownership of PT LPI.