The Attorney General’s Office has named Bambang Gatot Aryono, former Director General of Mineral and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), as a new suspect in the PT Timah corruption case.
Director of Investigation at the Attorney General’s Office, Kuntadi, told a press conference on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 that Bambang’s designation as a suspect is based on the case’s ongoing investigation.
He noted that Bambang served as the Director General of Mineral and Coal from 2015 to 2020 and is currently being examined alongside three other witnesses.
Bambang is alleged to have unlawfully altered the 2019 budget plan, increasing the production target to 68,000 metric tons, double the original amount.
His involvement marks the 22nd suspect in a corruption scandal that has reportedly caused a financial loss of Rp300 trillion (US$18.5 billion) to the state.
This case has drawn significant attention, especially due to the involvement of high-profile individuals, including Harvey Moeis, husband of actress Sandra Dewi.
Other notable suspects include former PT Timah President Director Mochtar Riza Pahlevi Tabrani and former Finance Director Emil Ermindra.
The case involves extensive environmental damage and illegal tin mining activities, significantly impacting Indonesia’s natural resources.
The Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) has revised the estimated state losses from Rp271 trillion to Rp300 trillion.
This adjustment follows an in-depth investigation and coordination with six experts, highlighting the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities. The comprehensive report has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for further action.
BPKP’s Deputy for Investigation, Agustina Arumsari, said that the financial losses include inflated smelter rental costs of Rp2.28 trillion and illegal tin ore sales amounting to Rp26.64 trillion. Environmental damage, valued at Rp271.06 trillion, contributes to the overall financial impact. This calculation is based on scientific methods, satellite data, and field samples.
The Attorney General’s Office, led by Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, will incorporate these findings into the prosecution process.
Febrie emphasized that the BPKP’s audit results provide a solid legal foundation for pursuing the case, ensuring that the state’s financial losses are addressed in court.
Investigators have frozen 66 bank accounts, seized 187 plots of land and buildings, and confiscated various assets, including heavy machinery and vehicles.
The confiscated smelters in Bangka Belitung Islands and a gas station in South Tangerang will be managed by the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to maintain their economic value and minimize social impact.
As investigations continue, the Attorney General’s Office remains focused on uncovering all parties involved and recovering the financial losses incurred by the state.
