MAKI Fully Supports Kortas Tipikor Polri in Investigating Rp 5 Trillion Coal Corruption
The Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortas Tipikor) of the Indonesian National Police is currently investigating a case of alleged corruption in the fulfilment of coal supplies, which resulted in blackouts in Sumatra and several other regions. The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) has expressed its full support for Kortas Tipikor.
MAKI Coordinator Boyamin Saiman stated that his organisation would provide additional data regarding the case. He emphasised that the case must be thoroughly investigated.
“I fully support Kortas Tipikor in handling the alleged corruption related to coal. I will oversee it closely and provide the data I have,” Boyamin told reporters, as quoted on Thursday (9/7/2026).
Boyamin suspects that manipulation in the coal supply chain has been occurring for a long time. He noted that the manipulation of both the quality and quantity of coal is clearly evident.
“Because this manipulation is suspected to have been going on for a long time, and there is clear evidence of manipulation, as the coal was purchased at 3,000 by traders but sold to PLN at 4,000. I have the data. This clearly harms PLN, and I will oversee it,” Boyamin said.
Kortas Tipikor Polri is investigating the corruption case related to coal supply fulfilment that triggered blackouts in Sumatra and several other regions. The case has now advanced to the investigation stage.
“We, the investigators, are providing an update on the handling of a criminal case of corruption and money laundering related to the procurement of coal supply needs for several power plants during the period from 2018 to 2026,” said Head of Kortas Tipikor Polri, Inspector General Totok Suharyanto, during a press conference at the Criminal Investigation Department on Monday (6/7).
The status upgrade to investigation was determined on 4 July 2026. Totok stated that his team found two companies suspected of committing legal violations in the coal supply process.
“Investigators have found alleged irregularities in the procurement and supply of coal at the power plants by several companies involved: PT OBP and PT BRA,” Totok said.
Director of Enforcement at Kortas Tipikor Polri, Brigadier General Robertus Yohanes De Deo, added that there were several modus operandi used by the suspected perpetrators, including document manipulation.
Investigators also discovered manipulation related to the quantity of coal supplied to the power plants, as well as alleged irregularities that resulted in payments or contract prices not matching the actual supply conditions.
No suspects have yet been named in this alleged corruption case. Investigators have examined 16 related witnesses and analysed a number of documents. State losses are estimated at Rp 5 trillion.