Defendant in Oil Corruption Case Breaks Down in Tears During Hearing, Judge Provides Tissues

Former Director of Gas, Petrochemicals, and Business at PT Pertamina International Shipping (PT PIS), Arief Sukmara, broke down in tears in the courtroom. The judge allowed Arief to cry while providing him with tissues.

The trial for the crude oil governance corruption case involving defendant Arief Sukmara was held at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Friday (17/4/2026). Arief presented two mitigating witnesses: former Chairman of PT PIS, Mochtar Husein, and former VP of Sales and Marketing at PT PIS, I Ketut Permadi Aryakumara.

Arief served as Director of Trading at PT PIS while working with Mochtar and Permadi. Initially, Arief’s lawyer questioned Mochtar and then Permadi.

During the question-and-answer session with Permadi, Arief suddenly began to cry. Presiding judge Adek Nurhadi then handed tissues to Arief.

“Mr Arief, here are some tissues, please,” said the judge.

Arief continued crying. Arief’s lawyer requested a five-minute adjournment to allow Arief to compose himself.

“Permission, Your Honour, if possible, adjourn for five minutes briefly,” said Arief’s lawyer.

The judge adjourned the trial. Arief’s lawyer tried to calm Arief and gave him a drink.

The trial resumed after Arief stopped crying. Arief apologised for crying during the proceedings.

“I’m sorry, please forgive me if I got emotional, Your Honour. Let’s continue, Your Honour,” said Arief.

In the indictment, prosecutors stated that the defendants’ actions related to crude oil governance caused state losses of Rp 285 trillion. Two main issues are suspected: imports of refinery products or fuel oil (BBM), and sales of non-subsidised diesel.