Law Enforcement Urged to Bring Riza Chalid Back to Uncover Petral Scandal

Law enforcement authorities are being urged to bring M. Riza Chalid back to Indonesia. The return of the oil boss is believed to accelerate the legal proceedings against him. This was stated by former member of the Oil and Gas Governance Reform Team or Anti-Oil Mafia Task Force, Fahmy Radhi, in response to Riza’s designation as a suspect by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). Riza is implicated in the alleged corruption case concerning the procurement of crude oil and refined products at PT Pertamina Energy Trading Limited or Petral. “I hope Riza can be brought to Indonesia, as his role is suspected to be very significant. I hope there will be law enforcement,” said Fahmy in his statement on Sunday (12/4/2026). Fahmy observed that this case has dragged on for a long time. He is puzzled as to why the case is only now being reopened. Previously, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) had difficulties because Petral was based in Singapore. “So it is indeed an old case, with almost no suspect designations, including for Riza Chalid,” said Fahmy. Fahmy also noted indications of Riza Chalid’s major role in the case. He mentioned irregularities during the bidding process, which are suspected to involve Riza. “All fuel oil procurements are suspected to have been supported by Riza Chalid through bidding,” said Fahmy. Fahmy explained that at that time, the Oil and Gas Governance Reform Team had issued recommendations. First, the dissolution of Petral. Second, the elimination of premium fuel oil type, which was suspected to be a rent-seeking commodity. “Both recommendations were eventually implemented,” said Fahmy. Previously, the AGO announced on 9 April that M. Riza Chalid was designated as a suspect in the alleged corruption case involving the procurement of premium gasoline and RON 92 between 2008 and 2015. In addition to Riza Chalid, the AGO also designated six other suspects. “We emphasise that the Petral entity was dissolved around May 2015, so the events that are the object of this legal process are not related to the current corporation. And at the time of suspect designation, all seven suspects no longer hold positions in the current corporation,” said the Head of the Legal Information Centre (Kapuspenkum) of the AGO, Anang Supriatna, during a press conference. Regarding the state losses due to this corruption offence, Anang continued, they are still being calculated by the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP). The AGO is currently continuing to cooperate with Interpol because Riza Chalid is on the wanted list (DPO). The AGO continues to strive to bring Riza Chalid into the legal process in Indonesia.