Customs Official Claims Grudge Against Blueray While Accepting Rp 1 Billion Monthly Bribe

The defendant in the alleged bribery and gratification case at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Ministry of Finance, Sisprian Subiaksson, claimed to hold a grudge against the boss of Blueray Cargo, John Field. Prosecutors expressed bewilderment as to why Sisprian continued to accept bribes from Blueray despite this alleged resentment.

This was revealed by Sisprian, who serves as the Head of the Intelligence Sub-directorate of the Directorate of Enforcement and Investigation at Customs, while testifying as a key witness for the defendant, Rizal, the Director of Enforcement and Investigation, at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Friday (18/09/2026). Sisprian admitted to receiving Rp 1 billion every month from the boss of Blueray, John Field, but continued to place Blueray’s goods in the ‘red lane’ (high-intensity inspection) due to his grudge.

“Why did you still allow—if I may use quotes—the acceptance of envelopes from Blueray, Sir, if they were committing many violations?” asked the prosecutor.

“I held a slight grudge against Blueray,” Sisprian replied.

“A grudge?” the prosecutor asked.

“I wanted to keep them in the red lane, even though he was giving me money,” Sisprian answered.

The prosecutor questioned why Sisprian did not reject the money, suggesting it would be easier to take enforcement action without the burden of bribery. Sisprian explained that his position at the time was chaotic, and he believed that if he did not take the money, it would simply be passed to other proxies.

“It would make them stronger. There are many of his proxies in other places, Sir,” Sisprian said.

“Stronger. But that is their business, Sir. You are Customs; if you did not accept it, you would be safer and more confident in taking action, wouldn’t you?” the prosecutor pressed.

“I was still confident even while receiving it, Sir,” Sisprian replied.

The judge further probed the nature of this ‘grudge’. Sisprian clarified that the resentment was not personal, but institutional. He stated that Blueray’s frequent violations were widely featured on social media, which tarnished the reputation of the Customs and Excise institution.

“So, the grudge is institutional. As part of the institution, you felt, ‘This is tarnishing our good name,’ is that correct?” the prosecutor asked.

“That is correct, Your Honour,” Sisprian replied.

During the trial, Sispultrian also admitted to being afraid of Rizal, which prevented him from reporting the use of unofficial operational funds from businessmen. He feared being transferred or facing severe sanctions, as Rizal was his superior and had repeatedly insisted on the use of certain funds.

Previously, three Customs officials from the Ministry of Finance were indicted for receiving bribes and gratifications totalling Rp 78.8 billion. Prosecutors stated that these bribes were received in both Rupiah and foreign currencies. The indictment trial was held at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Friday (03/07/2026), involving Rizal, Sisprian Subiaksono, and Orlando Hamonangan.