Indonesia's Attorney General's Office Pressured to Probe Private Parties in Gold Corruption Case

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) of Indonesia is facing mounting pressure to investigate private entities involved in the corruption scandal surrounding 109 tons of gold associated with PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) licensing. This call for action comes when the AGO has already identified six suspects in the case.

The case has drawn significant attention because of its staggering scale and the alleged involvement of high-profile individuals. The AGO's investigation has revealed substantial losses to the state and environmental damage estimated at Rp300 trillion. Despite these revelations, there are concerns that the investigation has not been comprehensive enough.

The AGO has been criticized for its slow progress in prosecuting prominent figures allegedly involved in the case. Only second-tier individuals have been named as suspects so far, leading to suspicions that the AGO might be reluctant to pursue the investigation further, potentially due to office politics.

Adding to the controversy, the AGO has faced intimidation from members of the National Police Counterterrorism Special Detachment (Densus 88). On May 19, two Densus 88 personnel were caught stalking Assistant Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah. The next day, the AGO building was surrounded by police vehicles with sirens blaring, and a drone was seen surveilling the area, raising concerns about the police special detachment.

Why this matters: The investigation into the corruption case has significant implications for Indonesia's legal system and the country's efforts to combat corruption. If not handled properly, it could lead to a loss of public trust and undermine the government's credibility.

The written order for the stalking incident, reportedly signed by Sr. Comr. Muhammad Tedjo Kusumo, Chief of the Central Java Region Densus 88 Counterterrorism Unit, was found on one of the detained personnel's mobile phones. This has raised concerns about the misuse of Densus 88 for the interests of a small number of people, highlighting the need for greater enforcement.

TEMPO Editor Laila Afifa commented on the situation, stating, 'The action by two personnel from National Police Counterterrorism Special Detachment (Densus 88) in stalking Assistant Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah shows the misuse of the elite unit for the interests of a small number of people.'

The conflict between the Police and the AGO has been a recurring issue, often influenced by political interests. President Joko Widodo has summoned Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin and National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, but no concrete actions have been taken to resolve the conflict, highlighting the need for stronger police reform.

The AGO's investigation into the alleged tin corruption case in Bangka Belitung, which involves several high-profile individuals including Harvey Moeis, Hendry Lie, and Robert Bonosusatya, has also faced similar challenges. The AGO claims that the actions of this group have resulted in losses to the state and environmental damage totaling Rp300 trillion, sparking calls for greater office accountability.

The ongoing investigation prompts calls for the AGO to expand its probe to include private parties beyond the six suspects already identified. The public and media are closely monitoring the developments, hoping for a thorough and impartial investigation.

The ongoing tension between the Police and the AGO highlights the need for stronger legal institutions and adherence to the rule of law. Ensuring accountability and transparency in the investigation is essential for restoring public trust in Indonesia's legal system.

Key Takeaways

• Indonesia's AGO faces pressure to investigate private entities in 109-ton gold corruption scandal.
• AGO has identified 6 suspects, but critics say high-profile individuals are not being pursued.
• Densus 88 personnel were caught stalking an AGO official, raising concerns about police intimidation.
• The case has significant implications for Indonesia's legal system and efforts to combat corruption.
• Public and media are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation, including private parties.