House Member: No One May Obstruct Coal Corruption Investigation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Bimantoro Wiyono, a member of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), has reminded that no parties should attempt to obstruct the investigation into alleged corruption linked to the coal case at PLN, which is suspected of triggering the blackout in Sumatra, as well as alleged corruption at PT ASABRI and PT Krakatau Steel.
According to him, investigators from the National Police’s Corruption Eradication Task Force (Kortastipidkor) handling the case must be allowed to work professionally based on the available evidence.
“Anyone who attempts to obstruct the legal process must be dealt with in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations,” Bimantoro said at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Thursday.
He also commended the swift action taken by the National Police together with the Metro Jaya Regional Police, who conducted searches at several locations as part of the investigation. According to him, this step demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to eradicating corruption without discrimination.
“I fully support the National Police in investigating this case thoroughly. Do not stop at the field-level perpetrators, but trace anyone involved, whether as the main actors, those who enjoyed the proceeds of the crime, or those suspected of helping to disguise assets derived from criminal acts,” he said.
He assessed that alleged corruption in strategic sectors such as electricity has very wide-ranging impacts. According to him, the suspected irregularities in coal procurement that led to the blackout in Sumatra could not only potentially harm state finances but also cause economic and social losses directly felt by the public.
“A blackout is not merely the loss of electricity supply. Economic activity is disrupted, businesses suffer losses, public services are hampered, and people must bear the impact in their daily lives,” he said.
Therefore, he believes all losses caused by the alleged criminal acts must be calculated comprehensively as part of the law enforcement process.
If elements of corruption, bribery, gratification, or money laundering are proven, he said, all perpetrators must be held legally accountable and the proceeds of crime must be seized to recover state losses.
He said the public is awaiting firm, transparent and fair law enforcement over the alleged corruption cases.
“Corruption in strategic sectors is a crime that robs people of their rights. Therefore, I fully support the National Police in thoroughly investigating this case, uncovering the entire network involved, and ensuring that no one is above the law,” he said.