The former Regent of Tanah Bumbu, Mardani Maming, who is former treasurer of Nahdlatul Ulama (the largest Moslem organization in Indonesia), was named graft suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in 2022. Mardani, a politician from ruling party PDIP, resisted the decision and a series of amusing events followed the process. But in a short period of time, Mardani, nemesis of Haji Isam (Jhonlin Group), finally surrendered. KPK quickly completed the inquisition stage and the Corruption Court at the Banjarmasin District Court began the proceedings in November 2022. Unlike the amusing inquisition process, the court proceedings continue far from media coverage. This week, Mardani was found guilty.

Earlier this month, the public was surprised by the news that a number of officials at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) returned to their original institutions. This is actually not extraordinary, but so far the public has not received sufficient information about the situation and conditions at the KPK. Apart from that, there were also those who used this incident to push for an examination of certain cases, including allegations of corruption in organizing Formula E races, a project that Anies Baswedan is proud of. The KPK was accused of being afraid to investigate Anies, but this accusation was immediately dismissed.

PT Rekayasa Industri (Rekind)—a subsidiary of PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) seems to be having a lot of problems. In less than a year, this company has faced two Suspension of Debt Payment (PKPU) lawsuits, the latest coming from PT Kobexindo Konstruksi Indonesia (PT KKI, formerly PT Kobexindo Forklift Indonesia) —a subsidiary of PT Kobexindo Tractors Tbk (KOBX). This is not the first time that Rekind has faced legal problems, the lawsuit reminds us of the old dispute between Rekind and the company, which ironically is related to the Thohir family.

Last year the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) uncovered alleged corruption related to the approval of the principal permit for the construction of the Alfamidi branch in Ambon City. KPK named three suspects including then Mayor of Ambon, Richard Louhenapessy. The court proceedings started just four months after the case was announced, far from media coverage. This week, Richard was found guilty, but questions remain.

One year ago, Tempo Magazine published the results of an investigation into the messy provisions of nickel mining permits in Central Sulawesi and the allegations that politicians played their games in it. The results of this investigation were published shortly before the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (Kementerian ESDM) finally temporarily rejected the application for 43 Mining Business Permits (IUP) in Central Sulawesi. Companies mentioned in the refusal letter from the Ministry cannot operate before fulfilling all applicable requirements. Among the companies listed, there is PT Niungriam Energy which is located in Morowali. This important issue is indeed complicated so it does not get public attention. Not long ago, we learned that PT Niungriam Energy finally filed a lawsuit against the Ministry.

The Kayan Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) located in North Kalimantan is said to be the largest hydropower plant in Southeast Asia because it will use an area of more than 2,600 hectares and five dams to generate 9,000 MW of electricity. The development of this hydropower plant has been discussed since 2011, with initial cooperation with investors from China. However, there is not much news about the progress of the project until in early October 2022, when the initiator of the PLTA Kayan, PT Kayan Hydro Energy (PT KHE) signed a construction agreement with Sumitomo Corporation. PT KHE at the time claimed to already have the necessary permits, but in October last year, the company filed two lawsuits against the Minister of Agrarian Affairs or the Head of the National Land Agency. Recently, we learned that the lawsuits were granted and the court annulled the decision made by the Minister. This decision seems to have boosted PT KHE’s confidence and this week the company has filed two new lawsuits, still against the Minister.

PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has gone through sad years. The flag carrier finally was able to catch some breath just recently after they managed to resolve the debt restructuring process (PKPU) with a peace agreement although there was a small obstacle. Two of...

In November 2021, Singapore-based Investment Opportunities V Pte Limited filed a lawsuit against two parties, including PT Supermal Karawaci. The former demanded the two parties restructure their debts in a period of Suspension of Debts Payment (PKPU). On Jan. 13,...

It's been over a year since businessman Surya Darmadi, owner of Duta Palma Group, returned to Indonesia and turned himself in to the Attorney General's Office (AGO). The AGO alleged Surya of committing corruption which caused State losses amounted to over Rp70...

Five years ago, the former chairman of Indonesia Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA/BPPN), Syaf Temenggung, was named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for the issuance of release and discharge letter to tycoon Sjamsul Nursalim (Gajah Tunggal...