BNPB Corruption Suspected to Be Linked to Rp30bn MDLA Share Purchase
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has outlined the chronology of an alleged corruption case involving the use of Ready-to-Use Funds (Dana Siap Pakai, DSP) at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). The case involves Bima Setiawan, a BNPB expert and younger brother of former BNPB chief Surhayanto.
Investigators suspect that the misappropriated DSP funds were used for personal purposes, including the purchase of shares in PT Medela Potentia Tbk (MDLA) worth Rp30.98bn.
“In the use of these DSP funds, the KPK found suspected conflicts of interest and indications of bribery. As a result, the use of the funds under the relevant RKK is suspected of benefiting a number of parties, both within BNPB and in the private sector,” said Achmad Taufik Husein, acting director of investigations at the KPK, at a press conference.
Achmad Taufik said the alleged scheme comprised two strands. The first concerned conflicts of interest. BNPB partnered with a number of suppliers through direct appointments during the 2024–2026 period. The suppliers are suspected of being affiliated with Bima Setiawan (BMS).
The total procurement value reached Rp148bn: Rp45.76bn in 2024, Rp52.27bn in 2025 and Rp50bn in 2026.
“Some of these suppliers are suspected of being affiliated with BMS,” Achmad Taufik said.
He said funds channelled to the affiliated companies were used for personal purposes, including the purchase of shares in PT Medela Potentia Tbk (MDLA).
“One such purchase was MDLA shares by PT AVE. PT AVE is known to hold 150.4 million shares, or 1.07 per cent. This can be viewed in real time through the Indonesia Stock Exchange. As at 13 October 2026, the shares were valued at Rp206 each, equivalent to Rp30.98bn,” he said.
The KPK also classified the second strand of the case as bribery. According to Achmad Taufik, an individual within BNPB is suspected of receiving bribes in connection with procurement using DSP funds.
“During the 2026 procurement process, RIC, an expert to the BNPB chief, is suspected of demanding a fee from suppliers in return for securing the procurement packages,” he said.
“There was criminal intent here: agreements were made in advance when procurement packages were to be awarded through direct appointment,” he added.
RIC is alleged to have received Rp2.38bn from GER, the director of PT TLS (Trans Lintas Selaras), a private-sector supplier.
The KPK also said that during the same period GER gave Rp140m to GPS, head and commitment-making official (PPK) at BNPB’s Subdirectorate for the Management of Assistance and Emergency Funds.
GPS also allegedly received Rp1.7bn in cash, US$7,500, S$9,000, 56 gold pieces weighing 133 grams, and 192 grams of gold savings from BNPB procurement suppliers.
Previously, the KPK arrested 15 people in an operation in Jakarta on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, and seized evidence valued at Rp5.47bn. The evidence included foreign currencies, cash, gold pieces, gold savings and crypto assets.
Following the operation, the KPK named five people as suspects, including Bima Setiawan, a BNPB expert and younger brother of the former BNPB chief. The suspects are:
BMS (Bima Setiawan), an expert to the BNPB chief and younger brother of a former BNPB chief.
RIC (Rirchard Erlangga), then an expert to the BNPB chief.
GPS (Gabriel Purwaka Sigit), head and commitment-making official at BNPB’s Subdirectorate for the Management of Assistance and Emergency Funds.
SNG (Syifa Nrika Ghifarin), a private-sector party.
GER (Gery Prasetiawan), a private-sector party.