Finance Minister Purbaya Refuses to Act Hastily, Awaits Clarity on Customs DG Case

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured that the government will not take steps against Director General of Customs Djaka Budi Utama, despite his name emerging in the trial of an alleged corruption case related to goods importation. The government has opted to await the unfolding of the legal process before determining any further stance.

Purbaya stated that the information currently available stems from only one party in the proceedings. Therefore, the government is reluctant to make hasty decisions.

“We will observe until a clearer stage. This is just one side of the accused,” Purbaya said during a media briefing at the Ministry of Finance in Jakarta on Monday (11/5/2026).

He emphasised that the government’s actions will only be determined once the legal status of the case is truly clear.

“If the status is clear, then we will take action,” he said.

Djaka’s name previously appeared in the indictment by prosecutors from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) against Blueray Cargo boss John Field in the alleged bribery case related to goods importation. The indictment mentions that Djaka attended a meeting with several Customs officials and cargo businessmen at the Borobudur Hotel in Central Jakarta in July 2025.

Prosecutors suspect the meeting was related to facilitating import lanes to avoid excessive red-lane checks and resulting pile-ups at ports. In that case, several officials from the Directorate General of Customs are alleged to have received up to Rp 61.3 billion in funds.