Ahok Appears as Witness in LNG Procurement Corruption Case at Jakarta Central District Court
Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, commonly known as Ahok, arrived at the Corruption Crime Court (Tipikor) at Jakarta Central District Court on Monday, 2 March, to give testimony as a witness in a case involving alleged corruption in the procurement of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
According to observations at the courthouse, Ahok arrived at approximately 09:57 Western Indonesian Time (WIB), wearing black and white patterned batik. He appeared to arrive without carrying any documents. Upon arrival at the court, the former Chief Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero) made a brief statement to the media before entering the courtroom.
“We shall await the questions, and answer them according to the facts,” Ahok stated.
Following his brief statement, Ahok proceeded to the courtroom to undergo examination as a witness in a case involving several officials within PT Pertamina’s management.
In this case, Hari Karyulianto serves as the defendant in relation to alleged corruption in the procurement of LNG from Corpus Christi Liquefaction LLC (CCL) at PT Pertamina and other related institutions between 2011 and 2021. Alongside Hari, Yenni Andayani, former Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development at Pertamina’s Gas Directorate for the period 2012-2013, is also listed as a defendant.
Both are accused of causing state financial losses of USD 113.84 million, equivalent to approximately IDR 1.77 trillion. These losses allegedly resulted from unlawful conduct that enriched various parties.
According to the charges, the unlawful conduct allegedly enriched Karen Agustiawan, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PT Pertamina for the period 2009-2014, by IDR 1.09 billion and USD 104,016. Additionally, CCL is alleged to have obtained profits of up to USD 113.84 million.
The alleged unlawful conduct by Hari Karyulianto includes, among other things, failing to establish guidelines for the process of procuring LNG from international sources, whilst nonetheless proceeding with LNG procurement from Cheniere Energy Inc.
Meanwhile, Yenni Andayani is accused of proposing that Hari sign a Board of Directors Meeting Report (RRD) Circular regarding the decision to sign an LNG purchase agreement for Train 1 and Train 2 from CCL. The signing is alleged to have lacked economic feasibility studies, risk analysis, or risk mitigation measures in the LNG procurement process. Furthermore, the agreement was allegedly concluded without an LNG buyer from CCL having a binding contract in place.
For their actions, both defendants are charged with violating Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 of Law Number 31 Year 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as amended by Law Number 20 Year 2001, juncto Article 55 paragraph (1) clause 1 juncto Article 64 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.
The witness examination hearing is scheduled to continue with further questioning to clarify evidence regarding the alleged corruption practices in the LNG procurement project.