Facing 18-Year Prison Sentence, Kerry Riza Recalls Prabowo's Message on Law Enforcement

Jakarta, VIVA – Muhammad Kerry Adrianto Riza, the beneficial owner of PT Orbit Terminal Merak (OTM), has spoken of his decision to return to Indonesia to serve and contribute to the nation, expressing his desire to support national energy security.

Kerry made the remarks while delivering his defence plea in the trial concerning alleged corruption in the management of crude oil and refinery products at PT Pertamina (Persero) at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Prosecutors had previously demanded that Kerry be sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution of Rp 13.4 trillion.

“Your Honour, I returned to Indonesia not to seek comfort and not merely to develop a private business. I returned with the intention of contributing to this country,” Kerry said.

Kerry explained that he had acquired PT Orbit Terminal Merak through a lengthy and high-risk process. During the early operations of OTM’s fuel terminal, he even faced payment obstacles that put pressure on cash flow, whilst obligations to creditors had to be maintained.

“In that situation, I did not halt operations. I ensured the terminal continued to function and that fuel distribution was not disrupted,” he said.

Kerry took this course of action because he regarded OTM’s fuel terminal as energy infrastructure that was more than merely a business project. For Kerry, the fuel terminal was part of national economic stability.

However, Kerry expressed dismay that his efforts and contributions were being perceived as a burden on the state and even accused of causing state losses.

“Today, that contribution is instead perceived as a burden on the state. I can only convey that the steps I took were aimed at strengthening national energy security, not causing losses to the state,” Kerry said.

Kerry stated that the alleged crude oil management corruption case had cost him his freedom. He had spent two Ramadan periods undergoing legal proceedings in the case. The case, he said, had put his reputation, his family, and his dignity at stake.

“My family is waiting. My children need their father. Hundreds of employees depend on my business for their livelihoods,” he said.

Nevertheless, Kerry expressed confidence that the panel of judges would decide the case fairly and objectively. He said he still believed in the law regarding evidence and material truth, rather than assumptions and perceptions.