Prosecutors Probe Purchase of Four Palm Oil Plots by Former Supreme Court Secretary's Son-in-Law
Prosecutors have been probing Rezky Herbiyono, son-in-law of former Supreme Court (MA) Secretary Nurhadi, over the purchase of four palm oil plantation plots in North Sumatra. Rezky is a former convict in a bribery case involving the handling of cases within the Supreme Court.
Rezky appeared as a witness in the trial of Nurhadi on charges of gratuity and money laundering at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (23 February 2026).
“Let us go through them one by one. The first is in Pancasan Village, Humam District, South Tapanuli. What is the chronology?” the prosecutor asked.
Rezky initially stated that he received an offer through Nurhadi’s subordinate, Bahtiar Lubis, and subsequently consulted with Iwan Liman, his business associate and fellow entrepreneur. At the time, Rezky said his relationship with Iwan was still good in connection with bank credit arrangements.
“So I asked Iwan, ‘What if we go through Bukopin, or is there another way?’ Iwan then enquired with the Bukopin side,” Rezky said.
In short, Rezky met with Heri Purwanto, an investor willing to inject Rp13 billion. Rezky said he contributed Rp2 billion towards the palm oil plantation’s price of Rp15 billion following negotiations.
The prosecutor then examined the second palm oil plantation purchased by Rezky, spanning 100 hectares in Mondang Village, Sosa District, South Tapanuli Regency.
“What was the total?” the prosecutor asked.
“I cannot recall, but as far as I remember the price was Rp9 billion,” Rezky replied.
The third palm oil plantation was located across Padang Garugur Jae Village, Paran Julu Village, and Hadungdung Pintu Padang Village in Padang Lawas Regency. Rezky purchased the 164-hectare plot for Rp11.55 billion.
Rezky said the payment was split between himself and Heri Purwanto, with the purchase taking place around January 2016.
“How much did Mr Heri pay and how much did you pay? Mr Heri has passed away, hasn’t he?” the prosecutor asked.
“Yes, Mr Heri paid Rp6.25 billion,” Rezky said.
The fourth palm oil plantation purchased by Rezky was in Batang Bulu Lama Village, Padang Lawas Regency, covering approximately 97 hectares.
“What was the price?” the prosecutor asked.
“The price was in April 2016. I cannot recall, Sir. But I paid Rp2 billion at the time, if I may say,” Rezky replied.
“So who paid the remainder?” the prosecutor pressed.
“Mr Heri,” Rezky answered.
“So Heri kept investing then?” the prosecutor asked.
“No, it was split equally. I have the breakdown, Sir. My total share was roughly Rp23 billion,” Rezky responded.
Rezky said the first and second plantations had certificates registered under his name and that of his wife, Rizki Aulia Rahmi. The third plantation’s land title included the name of his former brother-in-law, Yoga Dwi Hartiar.
“Why does Yoga’s name appear?” the prosecutor asked.
“At that time, the notary said no more names could be added, so another name was needed,” Rezky replied.
The fourth plantation’s land title was also registered under the names of Rezky and his wife, as well as Yoga and Heri Purwanto.
“Did you subsequently learn that Mr Nurhadi also conducted surveys of the palm oil plantations?” the prosecutor asked.
“Yes, I was aware,” Rezky confirmed.
“All four plantations?” the prosecutor asked.
“At that time, he was only with me at the first plantation, Sir,” Rezky replied.
Rezky said Nurhadi surveyed the palm oil plantations a total of four times, though three of those visits were conducted jointly with Rezky.
Nurhadi’s Indictment
Nurhadi was previously charged with receiving gratuities totalling Rp137 billion. Prosecutors said the gratuities were received from litigants within the court system at the first instance, appellate, cassation, and judicial review levels.
“He committed several acts that must be regarded as independent offences constituting multiple crimes — receiving gratuities, namely receiving money totalling Rp137,159,183,940 from litigants within the court system at the first instance, appellate, cassation, and judicial review levels,” the prosecutor said when reading the indictment at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday (18 November 2025).
Prosecutors said the gratuities were received between July 2013 and 2019, during and after Nurhadi’s tenure as Supreme Court Secretary. The receipts were in conflict with Nurhadi’s duties and obligations.
Prosecutors said Nurhadi received the gratuities using the bank account of his son-in-law Rezky Herbiyono and accounts belonging to other individuals as directed by Nurhadi and Rezky. The gratuities were received in stages.
Prosecutors also charged Nurhadi with money laundering amounting to Rp307 billion and USD50,000. The funds were placed in various accounts and used to purchase land, buildings, and several vehicles.