Unexpected Remarks from Rizal Chalid's Son Following Heavy Court Sentence
Jakarta - The court has delivered a heavy sentence against Muhammad Kerry Adrianto Riza, the son of oil merchant Rizal Chalid. However, attention at the proceedings was drawn not only to the judge’s verdict but also to Kerry’s response following the sentencing hearing.
The sentencing hearing took place at the Corruption Crimes Court (Tipikor) of the Central Jakarta District Court (PN Jakpus) on Friday, 27 February 2026, in the early morning hours.
Dissatisfied with the verdict, Kerry announced that his team would appeal the criminal sentence. He stated that he would not give up and would pursue all available legal remedies.
“There are still legal avenues available. God willing, I intend to file an appeal,” Kerry said following the hearing.
Kerry expressed confusion about the sentencing outcome. He argued that many facts presented during the trial were not included in the court’s considerations for the verdict.
“I am also confused by the ruling because many trial facts were not included in the verdict’s considerations. God willing, I will continue with legal remedies, and I hope I will obtain justice elsewhere,” he stated.
The sentencing hearing concerns a corruption case involving the governance of crude oil and refinery products at PT Pertamina (Persero), its subholdings, and contractors during the 2018-2023 period.
The judicial panel imposed a heavy sentence on defendant Kerry Riza: 15 years’ imprisonment and a 1 billion rupiah fine. Additionally, he is required to pay compensation of 2.9 trillion rupiah.
Presiding Judge Fajar Kusuma Aji announced sentences for three of the nine defendants tried in the case, including Kerry. According to Fajar, Kerry was proven beyond reasonable doubt to be guilty of committing corruption offences in conspiracy, as stated in the primary charges.
Kerry’s Sentence Details:
Status: Proven beyond reasonable doubt guilty of committing corruption offences in conspiracy (in accordance with Primary Charges).
Primary Criminal Sentence:
Imprisonment: 15 years.
Fine: 1 billion rupiah.
Fine Terms: Must be paid within 1 month (may be extended by 1 month). If assets are insufficient, they will be seized/auctioned, with equivalent imprisonment of 190 days.
Additional Criminal Sentence (Restitution): Required to pay compensation of 2,905,420,003,854 rupiah.
Subsidiary Restitution: If unpaid, equivalent imprisonment of 5 years.