Chairman Hery Susanto Named Corruption Suspect, Ombudsman Issues Apology

The Indonesian Ombudsman has apologised regarding the alleged corruption case in the management of nickel mining operations in North Sulawesi from 2013 to 2025, which has implicated its chairman, Hery Susanto.

“The leadership of the Indonesian Ombudsman for the 2026-2031 period conveys an apology for the public discomfort and regrets that this incident occurred, while strongly committing to continue safeguarding public trust in public service oversight duties with full integrity,” quoted from the official Ombudsman website on Thursday (16/4).

The 2026-2031 Ombudsman leadership stated that it fully respects the ongoing legal process and hands over the handling of this case to the Attorney General’s Office, and will act cooperatively.

The Ombudsman emphasised its commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for the presumption of innocence. Every party has the right to a fair legal process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

To ensure the continuity of duties and services to the public, the Ombudsman leadership assures that necessary internal steps will be taken in accordance with institutional mechanisms.

“In addition, the public service oversight function will continue to operate as usual and will not be disrupted by the ongoing legal process,” it stated.

The 2026-2031 Ombudsman leadership consists of the Deputy Chairman兼 member, Rahmadi Indra Tektona, and seven other members: Abdul Ghoffar, Fikri Yasin, Maneger Nasution, Nuzran Joher, Partono, Robertus Na Endi Jaweng, and Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan.

Hery is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office for allegedly receiving Rp1.5 billion from the Director of PT TSHI. The payment was related to a special recommendation letter to cancel the Ministry of Forestry’s policy regarding the calculation of Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP).

For his actions, Hery is charged under Article 12 letter a, Article 12 letter b, Article 5, and Article 606 of the Criminal Code. He has also been immediately detained at the Salemba Detention Centre branch of the South Jakarta District Prosecutor’s Office for the next 20 days.