Witness Claims Never Pressured Defendant in Fuel Rental Case Linked to Riza Chalid's Son

Business associate of entrepreneur Riza Chalid, Irawan Prakoso, has denied ever conveying a message from Riza to the defendant in the alleged corruption case regarding fuel oil management (BBM). Irawan also denied ever pressuring Pertamina to rent the Merak Fuel Terminal (TBBM) owned by Riza’s son, Muhamad Kerry Adrianto Riza.

Irawan Prakoso made these statements while testifying as a witness at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday (31/3/2026). The defendants in this trial are former President Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga for the period 2021-2023, Alfian Nasution, and former Director of Marketing and Trading at PT Pertamina, Hanung Budya.

“Is there an allegation like this, sir? Is it true that in 2012, as the trusted person of Muhammad Riza Chalid, you conveyed a message from Muhammad Riza Chalid to Mr Hanung that Pertamina (Persero) should use the TBBM in Merak?” asked the defendant’s lawyer, Aldres Napitupulu.

“Never, sir,” Irawan replied.

Irawan denied a meeting with Hanung in March 2013. He denied ever pressuring for the rental of the TBBM Merak owned by Kerry.

“There’s more in the indictment, on page 29, sir. It says that in March 2013 you met Mr Hanung again, conveying information about a TBBM owned by Oil Tank Merak that was to be sold, then you stated that the Merak tank would take over and offered it to Pertamina Persero, which Mr Hanung responded by asking Mr Irawan to submit a proposal letter?” asked Aldres.

“No, never,” Irawan replied.

“Did you ever pressure Mr Hanung to expedite or facilitate Pertamina (Persero) renting the TBBM Merak owned by Mr Kerry?” asked Aldres.

“Never,” Irawan replied.

Irawan denied ever meeting Hanung at the Nikko Jakarta Hotel in August 2014. That meeting was said to discuss the rental price of the TBBM Merak.

In the indictment, the prosecutors state that the actions of the defendants related to crude oil management have caused state losses of Rp 285 trillion. There are two main issues alleged: related to the import of refinery products or fuel oil (BBM), and related to the sale of non-subsidised diesel.