Recalling the Work Promises of Ombudsman Chairman Hery Susanto Before Becoming a Corruption Suspect

The name Hery Susanto has come under the spotlight after he was designated as a suspect in the case of nickel mining business governance in Southeast Sulawesi by the Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) of the Republic of Indonesia, on Thursday (16/4/2026). However, Hery, who was elected as Chairman of the Indonesian Ombudsman, had just taken his oath of office in front of President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Central Jakarta, on Friday (10/4/2026). Not even a week into holding the position, Hery was already wearing the pink vest, the detention vest for suspects under Kejagung’s enforcement. Hery had previously expressed his work promises to the media shortly after the oath-taking. “The nine of us will soon close ranks to complete our duties, functions, and authorities that the public has been waiting for,” Hery said, as quoted by Antara. Hery stated that the initial priority of his leadership was to carry out internal reforms of the institution. These reforms include improving the human resources (HR) structure and budget management so that the Ombudsman’s performance is more optimal. “Because we are still seen as distant from the government, we will bring our programmes closer to the government’s goals, namely Astacita, to be implemented as best as possible. Thus, Ombudsman oversight is needed,” said Hery. Hery assessed that several strategic government programmes have not yet been fully conveyed to the public, such as free education, people’s schools, the Free Nutritious Meals programme, and industrial downstreaming.