Police Investigate Coal Corruption Allegedly Causing Sumatran Blackouts
The National Police’s Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortas Tipikor) is investigating alleged corruption in the fulfilment of coal supplies that led to blackouts in Sumatra and several other parts of Indonesia. The alleged corruption is suspected to have occurred over the past six years.
Kortas Tipikor Chief Inspector General Totok Suharyanto revealed during a press conference at the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) building on Monday (6/7) that there were practices of quality and quantity manipulation in the coal supply. The case has now been elevated to the investigation stage.
The status was upgraded to investigation on 4 July 2026. Totok stated that investigators found two companies suspected of committing legal violations in the fulfilment of coal supplies. The two companies involved are PT OBB and PT PRA.
The case has caused state losses estimated at Rp 5 trillion. This figure includes economic losses and state losses resulting from the blackouts. Director of Enforcement at Kortas Tipikor, Brigadier General Robertus Yohanes De Deo, stated that the Rp 5 trillion estimate is not a final calculation. The police are coordinating with the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) to conduct an official investigative audit.
Police revealed the modus operandi involved manipulation of both the quality and quantity of coal. The alleged corruption occurred from 2018 to 2026. The actions of the two companies are suspected to have contributed to the disruption of coal supplies, which impacted blackouts in several regions, including Sumatra, parts of Kalimantan, Central Java, East Java, and parts of Jabodetabek.
Kortas Tipikor has committed to handling the case thoroughly, transparently, and accountably, based on evidence. The unit is coordinating with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) and the BPK to trace fund flows and state losses. The investigation will be comprehensive to identify all responsible parties and optimise asset recovery efforts to restore state finances and the economy.
Bareskrim Polri Chief Commissioner General Syahardiantono expressed full support for the investigation. Bareskrim will assist through its Directorate of Specific Crimes in examining technical aspects related to mining crimes.
Kortas Tipikor also plans to summon officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) as witnesses. So far, 16 witnesses have been examined, with a total of 34 witnesses scheduled for questioning.