KPK Investigating Involvement of Over 20 Forwarders in Alleged Customs Bribery Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has begun investigating the involvement of more than 20 forwarding companies in an alleged bribery and gratification case within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC). This move indicates that the case, which surfaced following a sting operation in February 2026, may involve more than a single company.

Gautama Wiranegara, a specialist in counter-intelligence analysis, criminal law, and customs, views the examination of dozens of forwarders as a significant development in uncovering the truth. He noted that if patterns of similar practices are discovered, all involved parties must be investigated proportionally, stating that the law should not stop at just one company.

However, Wiranegara questioned the slow pace of the investigation’s development, noting that examinations of other companies are only being conducted nearly four months after the KPK’s sting operation on 4 February 2026. He pointed out that investigators had indicated the involvement of parties beyond Blue Ray Cargo from the outset. He warned that delays in the investigation could potentially allow suspects to alter digital footprints, move assets, or coordinate efforts to obstruct the legal process.

He also cautioned that the expansion of the investigation should not obscure the primary focus of the case: the alleged manipulation of import inspection routes, the manipulation of targeting parameters, and the relationship between certain Customs and Excise intelligence officials and private entities. “The goal of the investigation is not merely to increase the number of names, but to find who controls the system, who the primary beneficiaries are, and how state losses occurred,” he said.

Previously, the KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, revealed that investigators are currently looking into more than 20 forwarding companies operating in various sea and air ports across Indonesia. “We are currently investigating. There are about 20 or more forwarders across Indonesia in every port, including both sea and air ports. We are currently requesting statements from them,” said Asep.