KPK Prosecutor Opens Customs Official Graft Trial, Dismisses 'Just Bad Luck' Defence

A Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutor has opened the trial of three high-ranking customs and excise officials by dismissing the public perception that being caught in a sting operation is simply a matter of ‘bad luck’. Prosecutor M Takdir Suhan made the statement during a hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. ‘Our hope is that the evidence in this case will open the public’s eyes to the services that have been occurring, so that efforts to reform the system are not just brief discourse and false hope because of this case, or what the public and netizens call “getting caught in a KPK OTT is just bad luck”,’ Suhan said. He stressed that the case should instead lead to a truly integrated system reform, particularly within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise at the Ministry of Finance. The prosecutor also called on witnesses to testify truthfully and affirmed that the case had been handled according to regulations, ensuring that all evidence presented in court was lawfully obtained during the investigation. He issued a stern warning against any attempts to influence witnesses, stating that such actions would carry legal consequences.

The three defendants in the case are Rizal, Director of Enforcement and Investigation at Customs and Excise; Sisprian Subiaksono, Sub-Director of Intelligence at the Directorate of Enforcement and Investigation; and Orlando Hamonangan, Head of Customs Intelligence Section I at the same directorate. They are accused of receiving bribes and gratuities totalling Rp 78.8 billion in both rupiah and foreign currencies. The indictment alleges the defendants received Rp 61.7 billion and entertainment facilities worth Rp 1.8 billion from John Field, the head of Blueray Cargo Group, Dedy Kurniawan Sukolo, the group’s operational manager for port customs clearance, and Andri, the head of the import documentation team. The money was allegedly given to expedite the customs clearance process for Blueray Cargo’s imported goods. Rizal reportedly received Rp 14 billion, Sisprian Rp 7 billion, and Orlando Rp 4.05 billion plus luxury goods and entertainment. The three defendants, along with another official, Budiman Bayu Prasojo, are also accused of receiving gratuities from various importers and cigarette entrepreneurs totalling Rp 15.2 billion.