KPK Summons Indonesia Audit Watch Founder as Witness in Customs Corruption Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Iskandar HP Sitorus, the secretary and founder of Indonesia Audit Watch (IAW), as a witness in a corruption case related to imports at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the summons, stating that Iskandar, identified by his initials IHS and listed as an entrepreneur, had arrived at the KPK’s Merah Putih building in South Jakarta on Friday. Budi did not elaborate on the specific matters investigators intend to explore with Iskandar.

Previously, the KPK examined businessman Heri Setiyono, also known as Heri ‘Black’, for a second time in connection with the case. The examination of Heri Black relates to the seizure of container contents at Tanjung Mas Port in Semarang. KPK Director of Investigation Achmad Taufik Husein explained that Heri Black indicated the container contents were initially managed by Blueray Cargo. However, the current handling of the containers has become unclear after Blueray became entangled in the criminal case. Taufik noted that investigators are seeking to delve deeper into which other parties subsequently took over the management of the containers following the criminal incident now under KPK investigation.

In this import bribery case, the KPK has named six suspects following a sting operation at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. The anti-graft body seized evidence totalling Rp 40.5 billion, including Rp 1.89 billion in rupiah cash, USD 182,900, SGD 1.48 million, JPY 55,000, 2.5 kg of precious metals worth Rp 7.4 billion, 2.8 kg of precious metals worth Rp 8.3 billion, and one luxury watch valued at Rp 138 million. Three private sector individuals are currently standing trial: John Field, head of Blueray Cargo; Deddy Kurniawan Sukolo, operational manager of Blueray Cargo; and Andri, head of the documents team at Blueray Cargo. The three executives have been charged with providing Rp 61.3 billion in Singapore dollar currency along with various facilities and luxury goods worth up to Rp 1.8 billion. KPK prosecutors allege the defendants’ actions violate Article 605 paragraph 1 letter a and Article 606 paragraph 1 of Law Number 1 of 2023, the Criminal Code.