KPK Searches PT Djarum Headquarters: What Is It Looking For?

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) searched the offices of PT Djarum and the Kudus Type Madya Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office (KPPBC) in Kudus, Central Java, on Wednesday (28 October) in connection with a case concerning state revenue from excise duties.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said investigators seized a number of documents and electronic evidence during searches at the two locations.

The case is an offshoot of a customs case that came to light in February. Investigators issued an investigation warrant this October.

“Among the items secured were documents and electronic evidence. The case is suspected to concern state revenue from excise duties,” Budi said at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Wednesday evening (28 October).

The KPK is handling the case under a general investigation warrant. Suspects will be identified and named as the investigation proceeds.

Budi said the searches were conducted to gather evidence.

“Everything will proceed in stages: the searches first, followed by examinations of the parties concerned and witnesses,” he said.

He said investigators would examine allegations of kickbacks or payments made by PT Djarum to individuals at Customs and Excise in relation to cigarette excise stamps.

“Excise stamps are affixed to every packet of cigarettes, or there may be other methods. The initial suspicion in this investigation is that it concerns state revenue and excise duties at PT Djarum,” he said.

Djarum Group Senior Corporate Communications Manager Budi Darmawan said the company respected the KPK’s legal process.

“We respect and abide by the law,” Budi Darmawan said.

The KPK began investigating alleged corruption at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise through a sting operation last February.

At the time, the KPK named seven people as suspects in an alleged bribery case involving imports and gratuities.

They were Rizal, former Director of Investigations and Enforcement at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise for the period 2024 to January 2026; Sisprian Subiaksono, head of the directorate’s Intelligence, Enforcement and Investigation Sub-Directorate; Orlando, head of its Intelligence Section; Andri, head of the import documentation team at PT Blueray; Directorate General of Customs and Excise employee Budiman Bayu Prasojo; PT Blueray owner John Field; and PT Blueray Operations Manager Dedy Kurniawan.

Some of the suspects have been tried and sentenced, while proceedings against others are still under way.

Before this, the KPK had issued two new investigation warrants in connection with alleged corruption at Customs and Excise.

One warrant named Gatot Heroe Hernanda, head of the Kediri Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office, as a suspect. No suspect has yet been named under the other warrant.