Indonesian Court Sentences Nine in Massive $17 Billion Energy Corruption Case

A Jakarta court has sentenced nine individuals to prison terms ranging from 9 to 15 years in a massive corruption scandal involving Indonesia's state energy company Pertamina. The case involves illegal fuel terminal leasing and crude oil imports that prosecutors say cost the state $17 billion. Two former executives of Pertamina subsidiaries were among those sentenced and have indicated they plan to appeal.

JAKARTA – A court in Indonesia’s capital has handed down prison sentences to nine individuals connected to a massive corruption scandal involving the country’s state-owned energy giant Pertamina, with prosecutors alleging the scheme resulted in $17 billion in government losses.

The corruption case focuses on unauthorized leasing arrangements for a fuel terminal and unlawful crude oil import operations, marking one of the most significant anti-corruption prosecutions launched during President Prabowo Subianto’s tenure, who has made eliminating graft a key priority.

Verdicts were delivered by the Central Jakarta Court beginning Thursday afternoon and extending into Friday’s early morning hours. The court imposed sentences between nine and 15 years behind bars for the defendants, which fell short of prosecutors’ requests for 14 to 18-year terms.

Two former subsidiary leaders received nine-year sentences: Yoki Firnandi, who previously headed Pertamina International Shipping, and Riva Siahaan, former leader of Pertamina Patra Niaga.

The harshest penalty of 15 years was given to Muhamad Kerry Adrianto Riza, who held beneficial ownership of a fuel terminal that Pertamina had leased. This sentence was three years less than what prosecutors had requested.

Riza is the child of business figure Mohammad Riza Chalid, who authorities have identified as a suspect in the case and who police report remains a fugitive.

All three men had maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings and entered not guilty pleas, according to local news coverage of the trial.

Attorney Patra Zen, representing Riza, announced Friday that his client disputes the court’s decision and intends to file an appeal.

Speaking outside the courthouse Friday, Firnandi expressed his dissatisfaction with what he characterized as a sham verdict and indicated he would consult with his legal team regarding an appeal.

Legal counsel for Siahaan, attorney Luhut Pangaribuan, described feeling both sorrow and disappointment over the court’s ruling.

Pertamina issued a statement through company spokesperson Muhammad Baron expressing respect for the judicial decision while reaffirming the company maintains a policy of complete intolerance toward corrupt practices.

“We continue to make improvements and transform in carrying out business processes and operations,” Baron stated, noting that the company stands ready to provide legal support to the defendants pending a final court determination.