KPK Suspects Pancasila Youth Leader Japto Received Mining Security Payments

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects Japto Soerjosoemarno, Chairman of Pemuda Pancasila (PP), received “security payments” from coal mining operations at PT Alamjaya Barapratama.

The KPK questioned Japto during an examination conducted on Tuesday. “Investigators are examining allegations regarding the receipt of mining proceeds from PT ABP as a security service fee,” KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said in a written statement on 10 March.

The KPK also scheduled an examination of witness Abdi Khalik Ginting, Commissioner of PT Bara Kumala Sakti from 2010–2022. However, the witness requested to reschedule due to a conflict with other commitments.

Japto remained guarded about the details of his examination. He directed journalists to ask KPK investigators instead and questioned the media outlet attempting to cover the story.

The KPK recently designated three coal companies in Kutai Kartanegara as suspects in an alleged corruption case linked to former Regent Rita Widyasari. The three companies — PT Sinar Kumala Naga, PT Alamjaya Barapratama, and PT Bara Kumala Sakti — were named suspects under investigation directives issued in February. All three produce coal and are suspected of serving as vehicles for bribery by Rita.

“We continue to investigate this, including connections to vehicles seized from JP, which will be confirmed later,” Budi explained.

Rita Widyasari is facing further legal action on suspicion of receiving bribes related to coal mining worth approximately US$3.3 to US$5 per metric tonne. Rita allegedly concealed the bribery proceeds, prompting the KPK to apply money laundering charges.

Rita is currently imprisoned at Pondok Bambu Women’s Prison after being sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Jakarta Corruption Court on 6 July 2018. She was convicted of receiving gratification worth Rp110.7 billion and bribes totalling Rp6 billion from permit applicants and project contractors.

Rita has also been mentioned in a case involving former KPK investigator AKP Stepanus Robin Pattuju, where she remains a witness.

Previously, Japto, PP East Kalimantan Chairman Said Amin, and PP Vice Chairman Ahmad Ali were questioned by the KPK as witnesses in Rita’s case. The examination stemmed from investigators’ suspicion that funds related to criminal activity flowed to PP leadership. During searches of the three witnesses’ residences, investigators seized evidence including tens of billions of rupiah in cash, dozens of luxury vehicles, and documents.