Paulus Tannos Refuses To Return To Indonesia, DPR: The State Must Not Lose To Fugitives

JAKARTA - Member of Commission XIII DPR RI Mafirion strongly condemns the fugitive legal maneuver of the corruption case of the e-KTP project, Paulus Tannos, who refused to return to the Republic of Indonesia and submitted a suspension of detention to Singapore authorities.

Mafirion assessed that Paul's actions were not just an attempt to avoid the legal process, but also a form of harassment against Indonesia's legal sovereignty. He emphasized that the state must not lose to a fugitive.

"We condemn the legal evasion efforts by the suspect in this e-KTP case. This is not only a matter of corruption, but has touched the sovereignty of state law," said Mafirion, Tuesday, June 3.

"The state must not lose to fugitives who have harmed the state. Law enforcement must be enforced firmly and fairly," he said.

Mafirion emphasized that the settlement of the Paulus Tannos case concerns the dignity and honor of the nation. According to him, legal sovereignty will be harassed if fugitives of corruption are free to maneuver in other countries.

"If fugitives of corruption are allowed to maneuver freely abroad, then what is at stake is our honor as a sovereign nation," he said.

It is known that Paulus Tannos has been a fugitive from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) since 2021. He was arrested in Singapore in January 2025 at the request of the Indonesian government. But now, Paulus refuses to be extradited and tries to fight the law to stay abroad.

Mafirion also asked the government, especially the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, to oversee the extradition process aggressively and strategically, including ensuring that all legal documents are fully and convincingly prepared.

"The government must establish close coordination with Singaporean authorities, both through legal and diplomatic channels, in order to deal with requests for a suspension from Paulus," said Mafirion.

"The ratified Indonesia-Singapore extradition agreement must be utilized optimally as a form of joint commitment to eradicate cross-border crimes," he stressed.

He also encouraged the Ministry of Law and Human Rights to coordinate across institutions, including with the Directorate General of Immigration and the Directorate General of Corrections, to freeze passports and revoke all immigration access by Paulus Tannos to prevent escape.

This case is a test stone, not only for the KPK, but also for all of our law enforcement systems. The success of bringing home Paulus Tannos will be proof that Indonesia is really serious in fighting corruption without compromise," concluded Mafirion.