Prosecutors Request Judge to Declare Riza Chalid's Business Partner Gave False Testimony

Prosecutors have requested the panel of judges to declare Irawan Prakoso, a business associate of fugitive Riza Chalid, as having given false testimony in the trial concerning the corruption of crude oil management. The prosecutors assessed that Irawan provided testimony that contradicted previous statements.

This was conveyed by the prosecutors when Irawan Prakoso was presented as a witness at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday (31/3/2026). The defendants in the trial are Alfian Nasution, the President Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga for the period 2021-2023, and Hanung Budya, the former Director of Marketing and Trading at PT Pertamina.

Initially, the prosecutors delved into Irawan’s involvement regarding meetings with Hanung and Alfian. The prosecutors also probed Irawan’s knowledge about PT Orbit Terminal Merak (OTM).

“Did you, when meeting with Mr Hanung, ever discuss the Merak Fuel Terminal that was to be carried out or sold at that time?” asked the prosecutor.

“No, there was none,” replied Irawan.

The prosecutor then reminded Irawan to provide truthful testimony in court. The prosecutor reminded Irawan that he had already taken an oath before giving testimony.

“Earlier, Your Honour reminded you that you have been sworn in based on the new Criminal Code Article 21, with a threat of 7 years if you give untrue testimony in this trial,” said the prosecutor.

“Yes, I have been sworn in,” responded Irawan.

The prosecutor then continued questioning Irawan about the meeting with Hanung and Alfian at the Nikko Hotel in Jakarta. Irawan stated that there was never such a meeting.

“Did you, at that time, ever receive any statement from Mr Hanung when meeting to make a written offer regarding the opportunity for the Merak Fuel Terminal?” asked the prosecutor.

“There was none,” replied Irawan.

“Then, around the month of 2014, did you ever have a meeting during a lunch event at the Nikko Hotel in Jakarta with Mr Hanung?” asked the prosecutor.

“No,” replied Irawan.

Irawan also claimed to have no knowledge regarding the cooperation contract between PT Pertamina and PT OTM. Irawan claimed he was never involved in matters related to PT OTM.

“Do you have any knowledge about the cooperation contract between PT Pertamina and PT OTM regarding the lease of the Fuel Terminal?” asked the prosecutor.

“I don’t know,” replied Irawan.

“Don’t know at all?” asked the prosecutor.

“I don’t know at all,” replied Irawan.

“Later, I will confirm with Mr Hanung and Mr Alfian. Because based on the testimony of witnesses Mr Hanung and Mr Alfian in previous trials, which has become a legal fact in the trial, you met twice with Mr Hanung and Mr Alfian. Then, one meeting at the Nikko Hotel discussed contract clauses to remove the asset sharing clause like that,” said the prosecutor.

“There was none, there was none,” interjected Alfian.

It was then the turn of the legal team for Alfian and Hanung to question Irawan. At the end of the trial, the prosecutors then requested the panel of judges to declare Irawan regarding giving false testimony.

“Permission, Your Honour, this has already become a trial fact in the testimony of Hanung and Alfian who confirmed there were two meetings and Mr Anung as well,” said the prosecutor.

“Permission, Your Honour, there is no trial fact regarding this yet,” said the defendant’s lawyer, Aldres Napitupulu.

“Mr Anung also confirmed there was a meeting at the Nikko Hotel regarding this, there are two testimonies that, when linked to the testimony of Mr Irawan Prakoso today, are very contradictory, Your Honour, meaning one of them is lying or both are lying,” said the prosecutor.

“And through this opportunity, I request or petition the panel of judges to declare Mr Irawan Prakoso or other parties who do not give truthful testimony under the provisions of Article 291 of the Criminal Procedure Code for giving false testimony with a criminal threat of 7 years, Your Honour,” continued the prosecutor.

The panel then requested responses from the lawyers for Alfian and Hanung. The panel of judges stated that they would consider the prosecutor’s request.

“The essence is that, and notes in the minutes because Mr Alfian and Mr Hanung are here as defendants. There we will find out how their testimony goes, so outside that mechanism, the public prosecutor may proceed. But regarding the request, we will consider it,” added the judge.

In the indictment, the prosecutors stated that the actions of the defendants related to crude oil management have caused state losses amounting to Rp 285 trillion. There are two main issues alleged, namely related to the import of refinery products or fuel (BBM) and related to the sale of non-subsidised diesel.