KPK examines Central Java cigarette entrepreneur to investigate excise handling
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) examined a cigarette entrepreneur from Central Java with the initials LEH as a witness in the alleged corruption case within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance to delve deeper into excise handling procedures.
“Confirmed by investigators regarding the process or mechanism carried out as a cigarette entrepreneur in managing excise at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Furthermore, Budi stated that the KPK sought testimony from witness LEH on Tuesday (31/3) to examine the processes or procedures that should be followed and the reality on the ground.
“Of course, the information and statements from the summoned witness are to complete the ongoing investigation of the case,” he said.
Previously, on 4 February 2026, the KPK conducted a sting operation (OTT) within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance.
On the same date, the KPK revealed that one of those arrested in the OTT was Rizal, Head of the West Sumatra Regional Customs Office.
On 5 February 2026, the KPK announced that six out of 17 individuals arrested were designated as suspects in the alleged bribery and gratification case related to the importation of counterfeit or imitation goods within Customs and Excise.
They are Rizal (RZL) as Director of Enforcement and Investigation of Customs and Excise from 2024 to January 2026, Head of Subdirectorate of Enforcement and Investigation Intelligence of Customs and Excise Sisprian Subiaksono (SIS), and Head of Customs Intelligence Section Orlando Hamonangan (ORL).
Additionally, John Field (JF), owner of Blueray Cargo, Andri (AND), Chairman of the Import Documentation Team of Blueray Cargo, and Dedy Kurniawan (DK), Operational Manager of Blueray Cargo.
On 26 February 2026, the KPK announced Budiman Bayu Prasojo (BBP), Head of the Excise Intelligence Section of the Directorate of Enforcement and Investigation of Customs and Excise, as a new suspect in the case.
On 27 February 2026, the KPK announced it was delving into alleged corruption in excise handling. This deepening investigation was particularly pursued after the seizure of Rp5.19 billion in five suitcases from a safe house in Ciputat, South Tangerang, Banten, which is suspected to originate from customs and excise activities.