KPK Examines Madura Cigarette Boss Haji Her to Investigate Excise Processing Mechanism

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has concluded its examination of cigarette entrepreneur Khairul Umam, alias Haji Her, in the investigation into alleged corruption within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance, on Thursday, 9 April 2026.

In the case, KPK examined Haji Her in his capacity as a witness to delve deeper into the cigarette excise processing carried out by the tobacco entrepreneur from Madura.

“Investigators conducted an examination of witness Mr KU or Mr HR, where in this examination, investigators delved into how Mr HR handled excise processing,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists at the KPK Red and White Building in South Jakarta, on Thursday, 9 April 2026.

“How the mechanisms work in the field. Whether they comply with the new procedures at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in handling those excises,” he added.

Budi assured that investigators are continuing to examine various cigarette companies to delve deeper into the handling of cigarette excise stamps, enabling the sale or distribution of their cigarette products.

“We will see how it develops. For now, we are focusing on the cigarette companies,” he said.

Besides Haji Her, Budi said KPK also summoned two other witnesses, namely a self-employed individual with initials WLG and a Customs and Excise employee with initials SA.

After being examined by KPK, Khairul Umam alias Haji Her claimed that investigators questioned him about his acquaintances with the suspects in the alleged corruption case at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Ministry of Finance.

“Yes, it was just confirmation, asked if I know the suspects, and I answered that I don’t know them,” said Haji Her to journalists after being examined by KPK at the KPK Red and White Building in Jakarta, on Thursday, 9 April 2026.

Haji Her claimed he had answered all questions from KPK honestly. “Yes, I answered everything as it is. Madurese people are straightforward. Nothing complicated,” he said.

This case originated from a sting operation related to alleged corruption within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance on 4 February 2026. From the sting operation, KPK secured 17 people, six of whom were designated as suspects.