KPK Examination of Customs Official Seen as Step in Investigating Alleged Import Mafia

The examination of former Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) official Ahmad Dedi by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is seen as a gateway to uncovering the alleged import mafia. Secretary of the founder of Indonesian Audit Watch (IAW) Iskandar Sitorus views the KPK’s step in examining Ahmad Dedi as demonstrating seriousness in investigating the suspected import mafia network in the customs sector. “The KPK has shown its commitment to dismantling those who, according to our analysis, are the customs mafia. Because he (Dedi) is a former insider who, even though retired, still holds influence,” said Iskandar in Jakarta on Saturday, 9 May 2026. According to Iskandar, mafia practices in the customs sector are difficult to eradicate because they are suspected to involve rogue elements who understand the detailed mechanisms and oversight gaps within Customs internally. “We are convinced that the mafia consists of rogue Customs officials, as they are the ones who best understand the mechanisms and their countermeasures,” he stated. He also requested further investigation into Ahmad Dedi’s alleged connections. Because, if he still has strategic influence around the government, it is seen as potentially sustaining the import mafia practices. “If that’s true, he appears to be taking a position to ensure the continuity of that mafia business so it remains active in that vortex,” he said. Furthermore, Iskandar hopes that the KPK does not stop at just examining witnesses but also dismantles the large import mafia network, which is said to have been ongoing for decades and has harmed many business actors. “Ideally, the extortion article should also be applied so that forwarders who have been disadvantaged so far are willing to help dismantle the long-standing mafia network,” he added. Previously reported, the KPK has scheduled examinations of several witnesses in the alleged corruption case related to bribes for importing goods at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance. One of those examined is Ahmad Dedi as a civil servant of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. After undergoing examination, Ahmad Dedi, wearing a short-sleeved white shirt and black trousers, appeared to run hurriedly out of the KPK’s Red and White Building. He continued running to the public road in front of the KPK’s Red and White Building without paying attention to the media crew who were also chasing him from behind.