Maya Kusmaya and Edward Corne, two high-ranking officials at PT Pertamina, have been named as suspects in a corruption case involving the mismanagement of crude oil at the company from 2018 to 2023, resulting in a staggering loss of Rp 193.7 trillion for the state. The Deputy Director of Investigation at the Attorney General’s Office, Abdul Qohar, revealed that the decision to designate Maya and Edward as suspects was based on substantial evidence linking them to corrupt activities. This development comes after a thorough investigation that uncovered their alleged involvement in corruption alongside seven other suspects.
Investigation and Legal Actions
Before being officially charged, Maya and Edward were subject to a forced apprehension by investigators. This action was taken due to their failure to appear for questioning as witnesses in the corruption case. Abdul Qohar explained that despite being summoned at 10 AM, the two Pertamina executives had not shown up by 2 PM, prompting authorities to take them into custody at the Attorney General’s branch of Salemba Detention Center for an initial 20-day period.
The charges brought against Maya and Edward are in violation of Article 2 paragraph 1 or Article 3 Jo Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 Jo Article 55 Paragraph 2 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. This legal action highlights the serious consequences of their alleged involvement in corrupt practices that have had a significant impact on the national economy.
Expanding the Scope of the Investigation
The Attorney General’s Office has now identified a total of nine suspects in this corruption case, which has resulted in a substantial financial loss for the country. In addition to Maya and Edward, seven other individuals have been implicated in the scandal. These include RS, the CEO of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, SDS, the Director of Feedstock and Product Optimization at PT Pertamina Internasional, and ZF, the CEO of PT Pertamina Internasional Shipping. Other suspects named in the case are AP, the Vice President of Feedstock, MKAR, the Beneficial Owner of PT Navigator Katulistiwa, DW, a Commissioner at PT Navigator Katulistiwa, and DRJ, a Commissioner at PT Jenggala Maritim and the CEO of PT Orbit Terminal Merak.
The charges leveled against these individuals are in violation of Article 2 paragraph 1 Juncto Article 3 Juncto Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 Juncto Article 55 paragraph 1 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. As a result, they have also been remanded in custody for a period of 20 days as the investigation proceeds.
In light of these latest developments, the government’s commitment to combating corruption and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions is evident. The unfolding of this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of public resources. The Attorney General’s Office continues to pursue justice in the face of corruption, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and that such misconduct is not tolerated in Indonesian society.
