Don't Be Surprised! After Samin Tan, New Suspects in Mining Corruption Case to Emerge

The Task Force for Regulating Forest Areas (Satgas PKH) has revealed the potential for new suspects in the alleged corruption case concerning deviations in the management of mining operations by PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup (AKT). Currently, the investigation is being conducted by law enforcement authorities (APH).

This potential for new suspects follows the designation of PT AKT’s beneficial owner, Samin Tan, as a suspect by the Republic of Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) in the case some time ago.

Spokesperson for Satgas PKH, Barita Simanjuntak, explained that the investigation process is ongoing in stages. He emphasised that authorities are tracing possible involvement of other parties.

“The investigation process is being carried out meticulously and in stages by law enforcement officials, delving into all the evidence that has been gathered,” said Satgas PKH spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak, in a post on Instagram @satgaspkhofficial, Friday (10/4/2026).

Barita stated that the determination of additional suspects would be made if strong legal facts are found in the field. This is part of law enforcement efforts to resolve the mining corruption case involving deviations in the forest area.

“If there is strong evidence, it will certainly lead to whether there are suspicions of other suspects, whether from the same corporation, company, management, or even state officials,” he added.

State Officials Involved

Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) of the Attorney General’s Office, Febrie Adriansyah, openly stated that state officials are involved in the alleged corruption case of PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup’s (AKT) mining management. Currently, law enforcement has designated one suspect.

“That’s all being examined. In corruption cases, there are always state officials involved. But the investigators have considerations on what to prioritise first and what not,” said Febrie, when asked about the involvement of state officials, at the Attorney General’s Office in South Jakarta, Friday (10/4/2026).

Although Febrie did not disclose details regarding the connection of state officials. The reason is security factors to prevent potential new suspects from fleeing abroad. “It’s certainly related to security so they don’t flee abroad, like Riza Chalid. Now with the new Criminal Procedure Code, they must be suspects,” he said.

Febrie also explained that his side is focusing on assets that can be secured.

“Of course, it’s impossible for corruption not to involve (state officials). It will certainly expand, but now the investigators’ movements are more focused on securing the assets,” said Febrie.

Land Seized

Previously, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia, along with Minister of Defence (Menhan) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, took over mining land spanning 1,699 hectares in Murung Raya Regency, Central Kalimantan.

In addition to Defence Minister Sjafrie, Bahlil was accompanied by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Attorney General ST Burhanuddin, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni.

Bahlil emphasised that the regulation of PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup’s (AKT) mining operations is driven by the absence of official documents from the company.

He revealed that the company had actually been halted long ago, so PT AKT’s mining activities cannot be justified. “Indeed, the permit status for this mining location has been revoked since 2017,” said Bahlil, quoted from the official Satgas PKH Instagram account, Wednesday (8/4/2026).

According to Bahlil, the revocation of the permit nine years ago means halting the company’s operations. All forms of mining activities that have continued in the area until now are confirmed to be illegal.

“In other words, the mining operations conducted from 2017 until now lack legal validity,” he added.

In line with these steps, Satgas PKH has retaken control of 1,699 hectares (ha) of land previously used as a mining opening area by PT AKT.

Role of Samin Tan

Citing Detik.com, Samin Tan is alleged to have given Rp5 billion to former Deputy Chair of Commission VII of the DPR, Eni Maulani Saragih. The money was suspected to be an effort to obtain assistance in resolving operational obstacles faced by one of his business units.

The issues in question relate to the Coal Mining Business Work Agreement (PKP2B) Generation 3 of his subsidiary, PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup (AKT). The case focuses on negotiations over a mining contract dispute in Central Kalimantan involving the company with the Ministry of ESDM.

Becoming a Suspect at Kejagung

Director of Investigation JAMPIDSUS Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi explained that the case has been elevated to the investigation stage since 25 March. The investigative team found indications of deviations in the mining management conducted by PT AKT.

“Today, the investigative team of the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, based on Investigation Order Number 14 dated 25 March, about two days ago, has elevated to the investigation stage the alleged criminal act of corruption involving deviations in the management of PT AKT mining in Murung Raya Regency, Central Kalimantan,” said Director of Investigation JAMPIDSUS of the Attorney General’s Office Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi, cited from CNN Indonesia, early Saturday (28/3/2026).

The designation of a suspect by the Attorney General’s Office marks a new chapter for Samin Tan, who previously escaped legal charges in a different case at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). This investigation focuses more on the operational and managerial activities of his mining company in Central Kalimantan, which are suspected of harming the state.

“Then, today we have designated one suspect, namely Mr ST (Samin Tan) in that case,” he continued.

Syarief explained the designation of the suspect.