Customs Bribery Trial Seen as Momentum to Uncover 'Brown List' Mystery
Jakarta, VIVA – The trial concerning alleged bribery and gratification in the importation of goods within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) is being viewed as a critical moment to test various pieces of information circulating in the public domain, including the existence of documents referred to as the “Blue List”, “Brown List”, and “Dark Brown List”.
Nearly four months after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation (OTT) that shook the DJBC, several questions remain. One of these concerns the existence of colour-coded lists that have been mentioned several times during the investigation dynamics.
Gautama Wiranegara, a Counter-Intelligence Analysis Specialist, believes the courtroom is the most appropriate venue to test all pieces of evidence openly and objectively.
“The public and business actors cannot continue to live in a space of speculation. The trial is a platform for proof. It is there that the ‘Brown List’, if it truly exists, will either be brought to light or remain forever submerged. The KPK does not need to fear revealing the full map, because the facts will speak in court,” Gautarak said in a statement on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.
According to Gautama, the involvement of several Customs officials mentioned in the case is relatively visible through indictments and trial facts. However, the involvement of other parties linked to the terms “Brown List” and “Dark Brown List” still leaves questions unanswered.
“In counter-intelligence methods, colour codes serve as a map. If ‘Blue’ refers to technical officials, then who are ‘Brown’ and ‘Dark Brown’ for? Is it for major entrepreneurs, other law enforcement officials, or political officials? This must be tested in court, not hidden,” he added.
On the other hand, the KPK has acknowledged that it is currently investigating more than 20 forwarding companies operating in several ports. However, so far, the cases entering the court remain focused on Blue Ray Cargo and several DJBC officials who have been named as suspects.
According to Gautama, this situation has the potential to create uncertainty among logistics operators and international trade actors. He noted that global logistics companies require clear legal certainty regarding which parties are truly involved and which parties are merely appearing during the investigative deepening process.