2 New Pertamina Corruption Suspects Detained By AGO

VP Trading Operation PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, Edward Corne Arrested By AGO/PHOTO: Dadan Hardian-VOI

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has again named two suspects in the alleged corruption case of crude oil management and refinery products of PT Pertamina Subholding and Cooperation Contract Contractors (KKKS) for the period 2018-2023.

Director of Investigation of the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Dirdik Jampidsus) at the AGO, Abdul Qohar, revealed that the two suspects were Maya Kusmaya (MK), Director of Central & Commercial Marketing of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, and Edward Corne (EC), VP Trading Operation of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga.

Previously, investigators scheduled an examination of Maya and Edward on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 10.00 WIB. However, both of them did not attend without reason.

Therefore, investigators conducted a search and finally forcibly picked them up to be examined as witnesses.

"After a marathon examination, investigators found sufficient evidence to determine both of them as suspects," said Qohar, Wednesday, February 26.

After being named suspects, Maya and Edward underwent a medical examination by a doctor, and were declared healthy.

Both of them were immediately detained for the next 20 days. Maya and Edward are being held at the Salemba Rutan at the AGO branch.

In this case, Maya and Edward are suspected of being involved in a number of schemes that are detrimental to the state. One of them is the purchase of low-quality oil (RON 90) which is paid for at a higher quality oil price (RON 92).

In addition, Maya ordered Edward to mix RON 88 oil with RON 92 at the Merak Orbit Terminal. The mixing oil was then sold at the price of RON 92, although the quality was lower.

They are also suspected of using the procurement method that is detrimental to the state. Imports should be carried out with a long-term contract system to get a fair price.

However, they actually use the spot method or direct appointment, which causes the import price to become more expensive.

Not only that, but Maya and Edward are also suspected of knowing and agreeing to mark-ups on shipping costs made by Yoki Firnandi (YF), President Director of PT Pertamina International Shipping. As a result, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga had to pay an illegal fee of 13% to 15%, which later flowed to Muhammad Kerry Andrianto Riza (MKAR), owner of PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, and DW, commissioner of the company.

With the addition of these two suspects, a total of nine people have been involved in this case. Several other suspects are Riva Siahaan (RS), President Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga; SDS; JF; AP; MKAR; DW; and GRJ.

The actions of the suspects violated the rules for procuring SOEs and planning to import fuel oil. The AGO estimates state losses as a result of this case reaching Rp193.7 trillion.

For their actions, the suspects were charged with Article 2 Paragraph 1 or Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption, which was amended by Law Number 20 of 2001, and Article 55 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code.