Just One Week After Taking Oath Before Prabowo, Ombudsman Chairman Hery Susanto Becomes Corruption Suspect

JAKARTA - The Chairman of the Indonesian Ombudsman, Hery Susanto, has been detained by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) after being named a suspect in a criminal corruption case concerning the management of nickel mining operations in Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra).

“The investigative team has designated HS as a suspect,” said Anang during a press conference at the AGO in Jakarta on Thursday (16/4/2026).

Based on observations by Kompas.com at the AGO in South Jakarta, Hery Susanto was seen being escorted by investigators while wearing a pink vest. His hands were also handcuffed as he was led out of the AGO building.

However, Hery had only just taken his oath as Chairman of the Ombudsman the previous week.

The appointment of these nine members of the Indonesian Ombudsman is based on Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 20/P of 2026 regarding the Dismissal and Appointment of Membership in the Indonesian Ombudsman.

The decree was read by Nanik Purwanti, Deputy for Government Administration Affairs in the Ministry of State Secretariat, at the State Palace, following the playing of the Indonesian national anthem, signalling the start of the oath-taking ceremony.

Subsequently, the nine members of the Indonesian Ombudsman took their oath of office in the presence of President Prabowo.

“I swear, I promise; to fulfil my duties as Chairman of the Ombudsman, as Deputy Chairman of the Ombudsman, as a Member of the Ombudsman to the best of my ability and as fairly as possible,” they continued.