Raffi Ahmad's Name Surfaces in Customs Case, Hotman Paris Steps In

The President’s Special Envoy for Youth and Arts Development, Raffi Ahmad, has been mentioned in a case of alleged bribery concerning the importation of goods within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise at the Ministry of Finance. Raffi’s name first emerged during a trial at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court on Friday (5/6), involving defendant and Blueray Cargo executive John Field and others. In the hearing, KPK prosecutors questioned witness Sri Pangestuti, known as Tuti, a customs clearance service entrepreneur, regarding a request to ship a laptop and an iPhone 17 from the US to Indonesia. The request was relayed by Yohanes, John Field’s personal assistant, when Raffi visited the Blueray Cargo office in the US. Tuti confirmed the communication with Yohanes but claimed she was reluctant to fulfil the request. Raffi’s name was also recorded in Yohanes’s examination report, as noted during the trial. Yohanes explained that Nelwan, the head of Blueray Cargo’s US division, had reported that Raffi was holidaying in America and wanted to send a mobile phone. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed Raffi’s name appears in the matter, with acting director of investigations Achmad Taufik Husein stating there is evidence Raffi entrusted the shipment of electronic goods such as an iPhone 17. Raffi has since retained senior advocate Hotman Paris Hutapea for legal support. In a social media video, Hotman stated that Raffi was not alone in the US, naming other celebrities such as Ariel Noah, Desta, and Gading Martin who were dining together at a restaurant in New York. He alleged that certain individuals had deliberately made Raffi’s name go viral to imply involvement in the Blueray Cargo customs import scandal. Hotman announced a joint press conference with Raffi in Jakarta on Thursday (11/6) to address the issue. Raffi himself has denied the allegations of involvement in the import corruption case, asserting he never made any transaction, placed an order, or received the goods. He stated he is accustomed to being named in controversies and looks forward to clarifying the full details at the upcoming press conference.