Subordinate Reveals Ex-Ombudsman Chief's Anger Over Report Finding No Maladministration

The Head of Assistant 5 at the Indonesian Ombudsman, Irma Syarifah, has revealed alleged intervention by the former Ombudsman chairman, Hery Susanto. Irma stated that Hery was emotional and angry because an initial examination found no maladministration in a report concerning the payment obligations of nickel company PT Tosida Indonesia, as stipulated by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

During her testimony at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court, Irma explained that her team had concluded there was no maladministration after receiving a notarial deed from the ministry showing PT Tosida’s willingness to pay. However, Hery, acting as the supervisor, intervened by contacting team member Muhammad Khotim.

Irma recounted that Khotim told her Hery had called him in an emotional state, accusing the team of being hasty and shallow in their assessment. Hery demanded the report be handed over immediately without waiting for corrections from the team and provided notes to review and deepen the findings.

Irma admitted the team was confused by the directive. She testified that when Saputra Malik sought further guidance, Hery responded angrily, saying, ‘Who is the leader? Don’t you tell me what to do, do it yourself.’ Following this, Hery instructed the team to bring in two specific experts, which Irma noted was within his authority but outside normal practice, as the team usually selected credible experts themselves. Irma also stated that Hery contacted her directly, expressing anger that the report had concluded there was no maladministration.