Over Rp 1 Trillion in Seized Cash Displayed Like a Mattress by Prosecutors
The Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) has seized cash evidence exceeding Rp 1 trillion and USD 166,000. The money was arranged in a mattress-like formation when displayed to the public.
During an observation at the location on Thursday (10/09/2026), the piles of seized cash were exhibited in the lobby of the Attorney General’s Office Circular Building in South Jakarta. The mountains of Rp 100,000 notes were stacked to resemble a ‘mattress’ in the press conference area under strict security escort.
The banknotes were grouped into clear plastic wraps, each containing Rp 1 billion. The press conference screen displayed details of the seizure, which originated from PT Pemuka Sakti Manamin Indah (PSMI), totalling Rp 1,003,184,000,000 and USD 166,000.
“The seizure and deposit of state financial losses from PT PSMI in the case of alleged corruption regarding the use and exploitation of forest areas for plantations within the PT Inhutani V area in Lampung Province,” the screen stated.
Previously, the investigation into the corruption case involving PT PSMI was handled by the Lampung High Prosecutor’s Office before being taken over directly by the Attorney General’s Office to strengthen the evidence.
The Director of Investigation for the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) at the Attorney General’s Office, Saiful Bahri Siregar, confirmed the takeover of the case. “We have taken over the investigation conducted by the Lampung High Prosecutor’s Office regarding the alleged corruption in the use and exploitation of forest plantation areas by PT PSMI within the PT Inhutani V area in Lampung Province,” Saiful Bahri Siregar said at the Attorney General’s Office Circular Building, South Jakarta, on Monday (07/09/2026).
Saiful explained that PT PSMI is indicated to have illegally planted sugarcane commodities in the forest area owned by PT Inhutani V, which subsequently resulted in state losses. “The criminal act committed by PT PSMI in planting sugarcane plantations in the PT Inhutani V Lampung area was unlawful and resulted in state financial losses,” he stated.
Investigators at the Circular Building have so far summoned and examined several witnesses. However, the Attorney General’s Office has not yet named any suspects in this case.
Origins of the Seized Funds
Saiful noted that in this case, his team has conducted a series of investigations and examined dozens of witnesses. In addition to the money, several documents were also seized.
“To date, the investigative team of the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes has conducted a series of investigative actions, including the examination of 40 witnesses. Investigators also seized documents related to the use and exploitation of forest areas by PT PSMI in the PT Inhutani V area in Lampung Province,” he said.
Saiful stated that the seized money has received approval from the South Jakarta District Court. The money was seized from an employee of PT PSMI, identified by the initials PRL.
“The money presented here amounts to Rp 1,003,184,000,000 and USD 166,000, which we seized from PT PSMI through Mr PRL, an employee of PT PSMI. This seizure has received approval from the South Jakarta District Court under determination number 4522/vit.b/sita2026/pnjktselatan,” he explained.
“This Rp 1 trillion represents ‘goodwill’ from PT PSMI, surrendering it to investigators as a measure so that if state financial losses are proven in this case, they are prepared with the funds surrendered. We have seized it and deposited it into the state-owned account of the Attorney General’s Office at BSI (Bank Syariah Indonesia). The money is at BSI, and we requested BSI to bring this money to the Attorney General’s Office building,” he continued.
In this case, the Attorney General’s Office has conducted a case review with auditors to calculate the state financial losses. Additionally, 10 operational accounts for the management of PT PSMI’s plantations have been frozen.
Case Background
PT Pemuka Sakti Manis Indah (PSMI) is a private company operating in the sugarcane plantation and sugar factory sector. The company is located in Pakuan Ratu, Way Kanan Regency, Lampung.
“Unlawful acts or abuse of authority by PT PSMI with other parties were discovered as follows: PT Inhutani V Lampung obtained permission to manage forest areas based on Forestry Minister Decree No. 398 of 1996 regarding the Granting of Industrial Forest Plantation Rights over an area of approximately 157 ha, which includes production forests,” said Saiful.
However, PT PSMI subsequently managed forest areas in Way Kanan Regency by clearing forests for sugarcane plantations.
“Since 2007, PT PSMI has managed land owned by PT Inhutani V in Way Kanan Regency by clearing forests and utilising forest products to create sugarcane plantations covering 32,375 ha,” he said.
“In 2013, the directors of PT PSMI signed an MoU with PT Inhutani V (Persero).”
The purpose of the MoU was for the development of intercropping forest plantations. The agreement was backdated, covering the period from 2007 to the signing in 2013.
“This action resulted in state losses because the development of the sugarcane plantation was made under an invalid agreement. The Minister of Forestry, through the Director General, has declared the agreement invalid,” he said.
Following this disclosure, PT PSMI subsequently surrendered funds amounting to Rp 1 trillion, Rp 3.1 billion, and USD 166,000.