Former Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources Called By KPPU Regarding Cisem Pipeline 2

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Energy and Human Resources (ESDM) of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, Arifin Tasrif, fulfilled the summons of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) on Wednesday, December 18.

Arifin was summoned to investigate the alleged tender conspiracy case in the procurement of integrated construction work designed and built the construction of the Cirebon-Semarang natural gas transmission pipeline Phase 2 of the Batang-Cirebon-Kandang Haur section which was carried out by the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in 2024.

Head of the Public Relations and Cooperation Bureau of the KPPU Secretariat General, Deswin Nur, said that during the investigation process by the Investigator which was carried out at the KPPU Office, Arifin was present as a witness in his capacity as former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources for the 2019 2024 period who served during the tender.

"Arifin was summoned for questioning regarding the procurement," he said in a statement to the media, Thursday, December 19.

For information, KPPU is currently carrying out an investigation into reports related to the alleged tender for the Cirebon-Semarang Natural Gas Transmission Pipe Construction Phase 2 of the Batang-Cirebon-Kandang Haur Timur Multi Years Contract (Cisem 2) section. This project was built with a tender ceiling value approaching IDR 3 trillion.

The tender, which was announced on April 23, 2024, includes various works such as making detailed designs, procuring materials or components, manufacturing and manufacturing materials or components, construction and installation of gas pipelines of more than 245 km and installations including construction of station/installation metering and testing commissioning.

The 20-inch carbon steel installation aims to transmit natural gas with a capacity of 183 MMscfd from Batang to East Haur Kandang. The tender for the construction of the natural gas pipeline was won by KSO PT. Timas Suplindo PT. Pratiwi Putri Sulung which was announced on July 14, 2024.

The tent is reportedly indicated to contain alleged violations of Law Number 5 of 1999. For this reason, since September 4, 2024, KPPU has started investigating the allegation and scheduled various calls to collect at least two types of evidence.

"The summons for the investigation were, among other things, addressed to various related parties, including former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif," he continued.

In the near future, KPPU will also ask for information from other parties related to the tender.

"We ask all parties to cooperate in fulfilling the KPPU's summons and submit the necessary evidence. For those who refuse, an investigation can be carried out and are threatened with a fine or a maximum imprisonment of one year as a substitute for a fine," said Deswin.