Former Ombudsman Hery Susanto Fails to Attend Ethics Panel Hearing

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — Former Ombudsman RI Chairman Hery Susanto failed to attend in person for the Ethics Panel’s investigation into alleged violations of ethical and conduct codes in Jakarta on Monday (25/5/2026). Although his absence was not explained, Ethics Panel Chairman Jimly Asshiddiqie stated Hery was represented by his lawyers during the proceedings. “The investigation concluded at 11:30 AM WIB,” Jimly told reporters.

The Ethics Panel emphasised that the investigation into Hery’s alleged code violations would continue comprehensively to maintain and restore the Ombudsman’s reputation as an integrity-driven public service oversight body. Alongside Jimly, the closed-door hearing was attended by Ethics Panel members Bagir Manan, Siti Zuhro, Partono, and Maneger Nasution. Hery was represented by his legal team, including Muhammad Anwar Sadat, Alex Candra, and Yunus Ferdiansyah.

Jimly explained the summons was a procedural step before any decision, as the panel needed to hear from the selection committee, the Attorney General’s Office, internal Ombudsman bodies, and members of the 2026-2031 Ombudsman term. The Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) has named Hery a suspect in a corruption case involving nickel mining management from 2013 to 2025. Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi, Director of the Special Crimes Investigation Unit (Jampidsus) at Kejagung, stated Hery allegedly committed the crime while serving as an Ombudsman member from 2021 to 2026. “The suspect designation followed investigators gathering sufficient evidence through searches and other procedures,” he said at Kejagung’s Jampidsus building in Jakarta on Thursday (16/4/2026).

Subsequently, PT TSHI colluded with Hery Susanto, then an Ombudsman commissioner, to find a way out. To facilitate this, he said, Hery received funds from LKM, director of PT TSHI.