Evidence In Singapore Is The Reason The KPK Is Difficult To Investigate The Oil And Gas Mafia Case

KPK spokesman Tessa Mahardika (Tsa Tsia/VOI)

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed the investigation into allegations of corruption in crude oil trade and refinery products involving Pertamina Energy Trading Ltd. (Petral) continues. However, there are a number of difficulties encountered, such as the existence of evidence in Singapore.

The alleged corruption known as the oil and gas mafia case was conveyed to the public when Agus Rahardjo et al served as KPK Leader volume IV. The anti-corruption commission at that time named the former President Director of Petral, Bambang Irianto as a suspect.

"Regarding the suspect BI, it is true that the case is still ongoing. However, from the results of coordination and input from investigators, there are indeed several obstacles," said KPK spokesman Tedda Mahardhika to reporters quoted on Wednesday, March 5.

"The problem is that the potential evidence that needs to be acquisition or obtained is in Singapore," he continued.

The second obstacle, Tessa said, was related to Bambang Irianto's health. However, he did not elaborate further on the suspect's condition.

The anti-corruption commission summoned four witnesses in this case on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Those who were questioned were the Finance Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), Frederick ST Siahaan; VP Power & NRE of the Directorate of Gas, New Energy and Renewable Pertamina, Ginanjar Sofyan; Senior Analyst Downstream Pertamina, Imam Mul Akhyar; and Account Receivables Manager of PT Pertamina, Iswina Dwi Yunanto.

At that time investigators studied the supply chain for the purchase of petroleum (crude oil) and fuel. However, the results of the examination did not elaborate further.

As previously reported, Bambang Irianto, who is the Managing Director of PT Pertamina Energy Services Pte. Ltd. (PES) for the 2009-2013 period and former President Director of Pertamina Energy Trading Ltd (Petral) was named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

In this case, Bambang allegedly received US$2.9 million from the company Kernel Oil during 2010-2013. The receipt was made through his company's holding account, SIAM Group Holding Ltd., which is based in British Virgin Island.