Police Investigate Faizal Assegaf's Report Against KPK Spokesperson Over Customs Case Fallout
Director of PT Sinkos Multimedia Mandiri, Faizal Assegaf, has reported KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to Metro Jaya Police over alleged defamation in connection with an import case at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Ministry of Finance. Metro Jaya Police are following up on the report.
“We have received this from the Criminal Investigation Unit of Metro Jaya Police. At present, it is being distributed and prepared for the investigation administration,” said Head of Public Relations of Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, to reporters on Thursday (16/4/2026).
In the report, Faizal Assegaf accused Budi Prasetyo of defamation. Budi Prasetyo is deemed to have defamed him by stating that he ‘received facilities in the case being investigated by the KPK’.
“This concerns defamation. It relates to an incident around 8 April. Looking at a media statement upload, it states that the examination of the reporter was related to allegations of receiving goods or facilities,” said Budi.
The police will subsequently summon Faizal Assegaf to submit evidence. The police are still conducting further investigations.
“Certainly, in the next stage after the investigation administration is prepared, the reporter will also be summoned to submit evidence and examine witnesses,” he said.
Response from KPK Spokesperson
Faizal Assegaf’s report against KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo is registered under number STTLP/B/2592/IV/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA. Faizal believes Budi’s statements led to accusations of his involvement in the import case at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Ministry of Finance.
Faizal stated that the matter arose on Tuesday (7/4) when he was asked for information and clarification regarding the case. He said the examination was completed in 30 minutes. He claimed no involvement in receiving goods in the customs import matter.
“There is no involvement of colleagues receiving this assistance in the customs crime case. Then, as a political critic and activist, I was asked for an opinion. A long discussion took place,” said Faizal on Tuesday (14/4).
When asked for separate confirmation, Budi Prasetyo said he had no issue with being reported to Metro Jaya Police by Faizal Assegaf. Budi stated that it is a constitutional right of every citizen.
Budi Prasetyo explained that all law enforcement processes at the KPK uphold the principle of presumption of innocence. He said that as a public body, the KPK carries out its anti-corruption duties openly, transparently, and accountably.
“Thus, we convey information openly to the public, including regarding the progress of case handling. Why? So that the public is not only informed about the developments in case handling at the KPK, but also so that the public can monitor and oversee the processes carried out by the KPK,” explained Budi Prasetyo.