Purbaya Waits for Court Ruling on Djaka's Name in Import Bribery Case

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the government is still awaiting the legal process regarding the appearance of the name of Customs Director-General Djaka Budhi Utama in court proceedings over alleged bribery in import clearance that ensnared Blueray Cargo Group’s leader, John Field. Purbaya said he understands the situation because he communicates with Djaka almost daily. However, he declined to elaborate on what he knows. ‘You know, Mr Djaka communicates with me every day. But what is clear is I understand what is happening,’ he told reporters at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in Jakarta on Thursday (21/5/2026). ‘If in court I won’t intervene; I’ll just see what the result is. People may accuse, but if it is proven then so be it.’ Purbaya also confirmed that he would follow President Prabowo Subianto’s instructions to remove the leadership of the Directorate General of Customs if proven to have violated the law. ‘Should be (removed) if proven,’ he said. He said Djaka will follow the full due process. ‘We've communicated. He will follow the due process that applies. This is not something yet; it's still early,’ said Purbaya at the Ministry of Finance, Jakarta, Thursday (6/5/2026). Since the legal process is still ongoing, the Ministry has no plan to suspend Djaka from his post as Director-General of Customs. ‘No (suspension). Not until it is clear how it will end. The process has just begun. His name has just surfaced; you can't just stop him,’ he said. Djaka was officially inaugurated as Director-General of Customs by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati on 23 May 2025. Before becoming DG of Customs, Djaka served as Principal Secretary at the State Intelligence Agency (BIN).