Police Uncover Alleged Corruption in Coal Supply, Investigation Focuses on Document Manipulation and Money Flows

The Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortas Tipidkor) of the Indonesian National Police has revealed the alleged modus operandi in a case of suspected corruption and money laundering related to the procurement and fulfilment of coal supplies for a number of power plants during the period 2018 to 2026. The investigation is now focused on allegations of manipulation of coal quality and quantity, discrepancies in contract payments, and tracing the flow of funds. The case officially advanced to the investigation stage on 4 July 2026, after investigators completed a series of inquiries including document collection, taking statements from several parties, and an initial analysis of evidence. The Head of Kortas Tipidkor explained that the status upgrade was based on inquiry findings indicating alleged criminal acts of corruption in the coal procurement and supply process. The status upgrade was marked by the issuance of Police Report Number LP/A/6/VII/2026/KORTASTIPIDKOR POLRI and Investigation Order Number SP.Sidik/63/VII/RES.3.1./2026/Kortastipidkor dated 4 July 2026. According to investigators, the alleged irregularities in the procurement and supply process involve several companies. However, the investigation is still ongoing to collect evidence and identify the responsible parties. The Director of Enforcement at Kortas Tipidkor outlined several alleged modus operandi discovered during the inquiry. One is the suspected manipulation of documents relating to the quality of the supplied coal. Investigators suspect that the coal specifications stated in the documents did not match the actual condition of the goods delivered. In addition, investigators also found indications of manipulation of the quantity of coal supplied. This suspicion is still being investigated to verify the conformity between the volume in the contract and the actual delivery realisation. Furthermore, investigators also suspect there were irregularities in the payment mechanism, resulting in the contract value paid not reflecting the actual condition of the coal supply.