Latest Portrait of Corruption Court Ahead of Verdict for Oil Case Defendants

The Corruption Court (Tipikor) on Thursday 26 February was observed to be crowded with families and supporters of nine defendants in a case involving alleged corruption in crude oil and refinery product management at PT Pertamina (Persero), its Subholding, and Work Contract Cooperation (KKKS) contractors during the 2018-2023 period.

Posters with supportive messages and photographs of the defendants were displayed in front of the courtroom. The panel of judges was scheduled to deliver sentencing verdicts to several former Pertamina executives and Muhammad Kerry Adrianto Riza, son of oil magnate Mohammad Riza Chalid.

Former Chief Executive of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Riva Siahaan, former Chief Executive of PT Pertamina International Shipping Yoki Firnandi, and various other former Pertamina directors were among the defendants in the case, estimated to have caused state losses of Rp 285.18 trillion.

The judge’s verdict hearing on this day was crucial for the defendants and all those supporting them. The sentencing hearing was originally scheduled to begin at 13:00 WIB. However, the session only commenced at 15:15 WIB, before being adjourned for afternoon prayers. The hearing was scheduled to resume at 16:05 WIB.

Based on observations at the scene, the Jakarta Central District Corruption Court was filled with people wearing matching black and white clothing. Various hashtags supporting the defendants were printed on their clothing, including #GodIsJust, #JusticeExists, and #GodIsGood.

Supporters of the defendants filled the lobby, with crowds also present outside the Corruption Court building. Additionally, boards with various supportive messages intended for the defendants were displayed in the lobby of the Jakarta Central District Corruption Court.