The investigation into the case of alleged corruption related to the tin trading system carried out in the Mining Business License (IUP) area owned by PT Timah Tbk (TINS) began as an ordinary investigation. There was nothing surprising in the initial process, the crime that was finally uncovered was not that surprising considering that the scheme carried out was commonplace. It’s sad, but it’s the truth. This matter, however, began to attract attention last month, even causing a stir. Two public figures who have long been admired for their wealth at such a young age have apparently been officially named suspects. Their wealth is suspected to be the proceeds of crime. Since the beginning, we have suspected that there are bigger forces involved, who do you think they are?

In June 2023, the South Sumatera High Prosecutors’ Office (Kejati Sumatera Selatan) announced an investigation into alleged corruption involving corporate actions carried out by PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA). According to the prosecutors’ statement, PTBA acquired shares in PT Satria Bahana Sarana (PT SBS) through its subsidiary, PT Bukit Multi Investama (PT BMI), however, the process was flawed. The prosecutors believe that this error resulted in State losses of more than Rp160 billion. Five suspects were identified and the inquisition process proceeded away from the media spotlight. Later, strangely, the witnesses’ statements actually contradicted the prosecutors’ beliefs and there were allegations of intervention from other companies. This week, unsurprisingly, the defendants have been found not guilty.

Andhi Pramono, the former Head of Directorate General of Custom and Excise (DJBC) office in Makassar, South Sulawesi was made suspect in the case of alleged corruption. Using his authority, Andhi supposedly has been a broker for business actors for over a decade. This week, after over three months of court proceedings, Andhi has been found guilty.

Back in July 2023 the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) uncovered a case of alleged corruption which caused an unexpected drama. The operation was conducted related to an alleged corruption in a project belonging to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), then the KPK officially named five suspects in this case, including the Chief of Basarnas, Air Marshal Henri Alfiandi. The TNI then caused a commotion and protested the KPK’s decision because two suspects were active military officers. After facing backlash from the public, the situation calmed down a bit and the two institutions agreed to work together. Unlike the eventful revelation, trial of the civil suspects started and continues far from media coverage. The three defendants were found guilty in December 2023. This week, Henri’s trial started.

Earlier last year, 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. Luckily, this time the parties are serious about the implementation and finally, the long-awaited agreement came into effect last week.

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) began an investigation into alleged manipulation of sugar imports some time ago. This process is interesting because initially the investigation was said to be related to the provision of sugar import permits by the Ministry of Trade during the period 2015 to 2023. Several other parties were also investigated, including from the Ministry of Industry to related regional departments. Later, the investigation into the case turned into an inquisition of just one party. Last week, the AGO announced that it had named one suspect.

The investigation into the case of alleged corruption related to the tin trading system carried out in the Mining Business License (IUP) area owned by PT Timah Tbk (TINS) continues. The process initially started as an ordinary routine and we all know that the mining sector is prone to corruption. But, as the investigation went on and the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) finally found sufficient evidence, we learned that the scheme was supposedly created by the former President Director of PT Timah, Mochtar Riza Pahlevi Tabrani, his directors, and several other parties. That said, this is not an ordinary case. The case finally received attention after the AGO reportedly searched the residence of the controversial Helena Lim. This week, the AGO named the latest suspect, Harvey Moeis. Harvey is the missing link in the case and for some, this is a long-overdue announcement.

Meranti Islands Regent, Muhammad Adil, made headlines some time ago because of an argument with the Ministry of Finance. The case is interesting because Adil accused the Ministry of Finance of being filled with demons. However, when the Ministry of Finance is in the spotlight earlier in 2023, it turns out that Muhammad Adil isn’t exactly a good person either. Adil was found guilty of corruption by the end of 2023. We thought that the process would end with the decision, but apparently the KPK did not stop investigating. This week, the KPK named Adil as a suspect for allegedly receiving grafts and committed money laundering.

In mid 2023, the investigation into allegations of corruption at the root of the problem which caused the cooking oil shortage and price surcharge developed after the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) announced that it had named three groups of companies as suspects. However, until now there are still many questions remaining, especially regarding the Government’s responsibility. The companies tried to file a State Administrative lawsuit against the Minister of Trade soon after and received interesting decisions, but despite the decision, today, trial on the case of alleged corruption will commence.

The Satuan Tugas Penanganan Hak Tagih Negara Dana Bantuan Likuiditas Bank Indonesia (Satgas BLBI) continues to work in summoning obligors who can be traced. In the last few announcements we know that the parties summoned are small debtors, those who were able to ignore their obligations after various creditors (who were BLBI obligors) experienced problems. As the financial institutions that gave them loans collapsed, there was no one left to supervise the settlement of these debtors’ obligations, therefore after two years of work and focusing on big BLBI obligors, now the Satgas has started summoning these small debtors, although some of them still have large amounts of obligations.