Judge Rebukes Consultant in Ombudsman Bribery Case: 'Where is the Garuda on Your Chest?'

A consultant named Lukman Malanuang admitted he felt psychologically pressured into acting as an intermediary to deliver bribes to former Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia member Hery Susanto. Lukman stated he was forced to hand over money related to a bribery case concerning maladministration documents that implicated Hery. The testimony was delivered during a hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday (23/7/2026), where Lukman appeared as a witness. Lukman, a former consultant, admitted to delivering Rp 875 million from PT Toshida Indonesia and Rp 200 million from PT Dinamika Sejahtera Mandiri to Hery Susanto. The presiding judge expressed astonishment at Lukman’s actions, questioning his mindset and the implications for the country if many others acted similarly. “So when you did that, what was on your mind? Looking for money? I want to understand your feelings. I am also concerned. I know you are a witness, but I have a moral burden to ensure this does not happen again,” the judge said. The judge further rebuked Lukman, questioning his patriotism. “Where is this country headed? If there are a million people like you, we might as well close down the country. You say ‘Garuda is on my chest,’ but where is that Garuda if your head is only filled with money?” the judge remarked. Lukman responded that he felt forced, citing psychological pressure. The judge countered that he too had been offered money many times but always refused, urging Lukman to stop such crimes for the sake of the nation’s future. Hery Susanto is accused of receiving a total of Rp 4.8 billion in bribes and a house. Prosecutors detailed that the bribe was intended to influence Hery to declare maladministration in the calculation of non-tax state revenue obligations for PT Toshida Indonesia and PT Dinamika Sejahtera Mandiri, as well as to declare maladministration in the rejection of an exploration mining permit upgrade for PT Mitra Kumala Energi and PT Gold Talenta Nala Raya.