The KPK Calls Paulus Tannos Should Be Cooperative Instead Of Submitting Pretrial At The South Jakarta District Court

Illustrations-KPK Buildings (VOIs)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said that the suspect in the corruption case in the procurement of electronic identity cards (e-KTP), Paulus Tannos, should be cooperative. Instead of filing a pretrial, this entrepreneur is better off giving up to return to the country and being held accountable for his legal actions.

"Actually what is needed at this time is not a pretrial but the presence of the suspect so that the legal process can run effectively," said KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo to reporters in a written statement, Monday, December 1.

Budi said the anti-corruption commission had actually repeatedly summoned Paulus Tannos. However, he was not present and instead fled abroad so he was included in the wanted list (DPO).

Thus, the KPK is now focusing on repatriating Paulus Tannos who has been caught in Singapore through the extradition process. "KPK has repeatedly summoned Paulus Tannos and taken all procedures before issuing DPO status," he stressed.

"We are still focused on bringing Tannos back to Indonesia so that he can be held accountable for his actions before the court," continued Budi.

As for the pretrial lawsuit, Budi said, his party believes that the submission made by the Paulus Tannos camp will be rejected. The panel of judges at the Corruption Court will certainly consider the Circular Letter of the Supreme Court (SEMA) Number 1 of 2018.

"In the SEMA it is firm that suspects who run away or have DPO status cannot file a pretrial. If legal or family advisers continue to apply, then the judge must declare the request unacceptable. This decision cannot be taken by any legal action," he explained.

Previously reported, Paulus Tannos, who is a suspect in the corruption case of the Electronic KTP or E-KTP procurement project, filed a pretrial lawsuit at the South Jakarta District Court (PN) on Friday, October 31. This case is registered under number 143 / Pid.Pra / 2025 / PN JKT.SEL and the inaugural trial will be held on Monday, November 10.

Paulus is known to have been named a new suspect in the development of an investigation into a corruption case in the procurement of electronic ID cards on August 13, 2019. The KPK revealed that the state's financial losses in this case were around Rp. 2.3 trillion.

However, Paulus Tannos fled abroad and changed his identity to Thian Po Tjhin. He has been on the wanted list (DPO) or fugitive from the anti-corruption commission since October 19, 2021.

Paulus was later arrested in Singapore in early January 2025. The current extradition process is still being carried out in accordance with the agreement signed by Indonesia-Singapore.