Foreign Media Highlights Conviction of Kerry, Son of Riza Chalid, to 15 Years
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Foreign media outlets have highlighted corruption reporting in Indonesia. On this occasion, the case concerns crude oil governance and refinery products for the period 2018-2023 at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court on Friday, 27 February 2026, in the early hours.
“An Indonesian judge has sentenced the son of an oil tycoon wanted by Interpol to 15 years in prison on Friday in connection with a corruption scheme estimated to have cost the government US$17 billion,” wrote France’s AFP news outlet in an article titled “Son of Indonesia ‘gasoline godfather’ jailed in $17 bn corruption case”.
“Muhammad Kerry Adrianto Riza is the most prominent defendant convicted in the major scandal involving state-owned energy company Pertamina,” it added.
“Kerry was found guilty of manipulating lease agreements and colluding with several Pertamina executives, according to a statement from the Attorney General’s office,” it further reported.
Similar coverage also appeared in Singapore’s Strait Times, citing the US-based Bloomberg. In an article titled “Son of Indonesia’s ‘Gasoline Godfather’ convicted in $21b graft case”, the outlet described how the investigation began in 2025 with authorities detaining more than a dozen executives as part of a broader investigation encompassing examination of more than 250 witnesses, including in neighbouring Singapore.
“Mid-year, authorities also detained a Trafigura Group employee, who was only identified by initials and job title,” the outlet reported.
“The Attorney General’s office estimates state losses in this case—covering direct financial losses, broader economic impacts, and illegal profits—at 285 trillion rupiah,” it stated.
The outlet also noted that Riza Chalid is a suspect in the investigation but was never detained by authorities after failing to respond to three summonses. In 2025, officials stated that immigration records indicated that he had left Indonesia for Malaysia, and Interpol subsequently issued what is known as a Red Notice for him.
“Riza Chalid’s son was imprisoned in connection with his shareholding in Orbital Terminal Merak (OTM), which according to prosecutors was unnecessarily leased… resulting in state losses,” it added.
“The Attorney General’s office previously stated that Riza Chalid himself is the ultimate beneficial owner of OTM,” the outlet further reported.