Indonesia & Corruption: a few articles in the past few weeks

[Shadrach]

I believe the law states that no one can own any coastline until above the 15 meters above the high tide mark. No private beaches allowed.

I hope your right, because if they can buy underwater land, then later be able to fill it, and then build on it, that would really suck!

 

[Bob]

I believe the law states that no one can own any coastline until above the 15 meters above the high tide mark. No private beaches allowed.

Except in Sumba apparently. Or has that changed?

 

[pantaiema]

So does this mean that whoever owns this sea fence owns the beach behind it? Which means property! Please clarify what all this means? Are they getting land for a super cheap deal?

This practice of plundering the country’s assets has occurred before. The difference is that, in the past, they likely managed to silence everyone, so it did not become the public attention. This is just another example, this time in the 'Bekasi' region.

Worse than Tangerang, Who Owns the Bekasi Sea Fence Dismantled by Nusron?

 

[serious_fun]

The CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2024 released today.

Scoring 180 countries around the world, the Corruption Perceptions Index is the leading global indicator of public sector corruption.

Indonesia ranks 99 out of 180 countries, an improvement over last year's index.

 

[pantaiema]

The CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2024 released today.



Indonesia ranks 99 out of 180 countries, an improvement over last year's index.

I completely agree that there has been significant improvement compared to the Suharto regime. During Suharto's rule, Indonesia was either the most corrupt country in the world or among the top five. Under Joko Widodo's leadership, while not everyone is satisfied, at least several high-profile figures have been jailed, more than any of his predecessors combined.

The fact he pushed his own son to become a vice president, we know that already. But I have not heard of any instances where Joko Widodo's family has benefited from privileges like those enjoyed by Suharto’s family, such as monopolies, hostile takeovers, or large-scale exploitation of the country’s natural resources.

In order to do that he must be clean as his opponent, powerful people with money who have been affected must have been trying to do their best to discredit him.

 

[Bob]

I completely agree that there has been significant improvement compared to the Suharto regime. During Suharto's rule, Indonesia was either the most corrupt country in the world or among the top five. Under Joko Widodo's leadership, while not everyone is satisfied, at least several high-profile figures have been jailed, more than any of his predecessors combined.

The fact he pushed his own son to become a vice president, we know that already. But I have not heard of any instances where Joko Widodo's family has benefited from privileges like those enjoyed by Suharto’s family, such as monopolies, hostile takeovers, or large-scale exploitation of the country’s natural resources.

In order to do that he must be clean as his opponent, powerful people with money who have been affected must have been trying to do their best to discredit him.

That doesn't mean they and their cohorts didn't get what they could. It's a completely different political environment now so the family monopolies and such are no longer possible.

 

[pantaiema]

Another major corruption case has emerged involving 'Pertamina', the state-owned oil and gas enterprise, with an estimated loss of nearly Rp200T. The suspects in the Pertamina scandal allegedly manipulate the fuel procurement by purchasing 'Pertalite' but falsely recorded it as 'Pertamax,'. 'Pertalite' were than mixed into 'Pertamax'.

Skandal Korupsi Pertamina 2018-2023, Pertalite Dioplos Jadi Pertamax Halaman all - Kompas.com

Kejagung menduga adanya pengoplosan Pertamax dan Pertalite dalam kasus korupsi Pertamina. Apa dampaknya bagi konsumen? Halaman all

nasional.kompas.com

Kronologi Korupsi Pertamina yang Rugikan Negara Hampir Rp 200 Triliun

Tersangka korupsi Pertamina melakukan pengadaan pembelian Pertamax, padahal nyatanya membeli Pertalite untuk dioplos jadi Pertamax.

www.tempo.co

Fakta-fakta Dugaan Korupsi Minyak Mentah Pertamina

Ada tujuh tersangka kasus dugaan korupsi tata kelola minyak Pertamina. Salah satu modusnya membeli RON 92 padahal yang dibeli adalah RON 90 (pertalite).

www.cnnindonesia.com

Kasus Dugaan Korupsi Pertamina, Apa Saja yang Perlu Diketahui?

Begini duduk perkara dugaan kasus korupsi Pertamina yang melibatkan Dirut Pertamina Patra Niaga dan merugikan negara Rp 193,7 triliun.

www.kompas.com

 

[Helpful Herbert]

BGN Vows Medical Coverage for Students Affected by Free Meal Poisoning

BGN said that the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) will be responsible for students who experience poisoning after consuming free meals.

en.tempo.co

Not corruption* but incompetence. These free meals are so "nutritious" that they are poisoning the kids.

*I'm sure there is also corruption which will come out later

 

[fastpitch17]

BGN Vows Medical Coverage for Students Affected by Free Meal Poisoning

BGN said that the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) will be responsible for students who experience poisoning after consuming free meals.

en.tempo.co

Not corruption* but incompetence. These free meals are so "nutritious" that they are poisoning the kids.

*I'm sure there is also corruption which will come out later

5 food poisonings locations so far. Has anyone actually on the national level looked at just who received the contracts from the regencies for supplying these meals. Watching some of the video footage on local news I suspect there are major problems in the handling, sanitation, and transportation of of these meals. They never show the actual prep areas. Probably for sake of, You really don't want to know.

That's nice they will cover medical cost for the poisonings but, shouldn't the attention be placed on making sure no one is poisoned to begin with? These meals are also for pregnant women. A food born illness can be harmful to a developing fetus.

Another Indonesian program put in place quickly without actually doing the homework. Cost so much that it has caused government ministries to have budgets cut. Evidently they don't see a reduction of services as a bad thing. There will be a reduction of services because there will be less money for them and one can't expect the skimmers to take a cut.

 

[serious_fun]

Ouch! I guess this wasn't a good time for 'Karen' to have her appeal before the court!

Supreme Court Raises Ex-Pertamina Chief's Sentence to 13 Years

In light of the Sukatani fiasco and the ongoing Pertamina cases, Karen was never going to get what she wanted.

 

[pantaiema]

What is President Prabowo's Message Behind Summoning Conglomerates to the Palace?

From that news, what Prabowo is essentially seeking is the support for his program. This is what he did instead of warning them about the corruption. When asking businessmen for backing, it’s not unusual for them to expect something in return or protection. Haven’t we seen this before in major corruption scandals, such as the National Strategic Project (PSN), which allowed these conglomerates to acquire land at extremely low prices? Not to mention concessions in mining, oil and gas exploitation, the gambling industry, and more.

Unlike major conglomerates in countries like Japan and Korea, China (to some extends) or other developed countries, it is rare to hear of Indonesian conglomerates succeeding in global markets. Their business models often depend on monopolies, hostile takeovers, or large scale exploitation of the nation’s natural resources rather than competing globally.

 

[harryopal1]

Any forum members fluent in Bahasa Indonesia watching the TV news showing the SATGAS visit to the cooking oil factory that is producing packets of oil well below the supposed packet contents? My Bahasa is not up to being able to follow the discussion. I think the factory managers are explaining that it is all some kind of accident. I wonder if anyone has done the numbers as this is a huge operation and the value of the tens of thousands of underweight packets would be significant. The Satgas team is now leaving the factory and I don't have the impression there will be follow up penalties and the management are just promising to fix the problem.

 

[pantaiema]

Corrupt Practice Everywhere in every layer (?)

I came across this information on another forum. Apparently, people are being forced to give money under the guise of a "forced donation" (THR money). Given how corruption has become deeply embedded as a subculture, it is highly likely that the money collected ends up in the pockets of these individuals or their group. There are a lot of recent Video clips on social medias showing this similar behaviour.

What makes this particular case even more outrageous is that they rejected a donation of Rp200k and insisted on a minimum of Rp1 million instead. On top of that, tourists entering Bali are already required to pay a Rp150k tourist fee, in addition to the official visa fee so Balinese officials already has additional money to be spent compared to other provinces. If their intentions were genuine, they would simply place a donation box in front of their office and encourage people to contribute voluntarily.

This corrupt practice of demanding extortion money, disguised as a donation (THR), is not only prevalent in mass organisations and local communities (banjar) but is also found within the army. This information comes from the reputable newspaper, Kompas.

Viral Koramil Sebapo Surati SPBU Minta Bingkisan Lebaran, TNI Bantah

Sebuah surat permohonan bantuan bingkisan Lebaran yang diduga berasal dari Koramil 415-13/Sebapo viral di media sosial.Surat tersebut ditujukan kepada pihak ...

www.youtube.com

When it comes to matters like this, these group of people have shown a remarkable creativity and absolutely no shame.

 

[Shadrach]

Corrupt Practice Everywhere in every layer (?)

I came across this information on another forum. Apparently, people are being forced to give money under the guise of a "forced donation" (THR money). Given how corruption has become deeply embedded as a subculture, it is highly likely that the money collected ends up in the pockets of these individuals or their group. There are a lot of recent Video clips on social medias showing this similar behaviour.

What makes this particular case even more outrageous is that they rejected a donation of Rp200k and insisted on a minimum of Rp1 million instead. On top of that, tourists entering Bali are already required to pay a Rp150k tourist fee, in addition to the official visa fee so Balinese officials already has additional money to be spent compared to other provinces. If their intentions were genuine, they would simply place a donation box in front of their office and encourage people to contribute voluntarily.

This corrupt practice of demanding extortion money, disguised as a donation (THR), is not only prevalent in mass organisations and local communities (banjar) but is also found within the army. This information comes from the reputable newspaper, Kompas.

Viral Koramil Sebapo Surati SPBU Minta Bingkisan Lebaran, TNI Bantah

Sebuah surat permohonan bantuan bingkisan Lebaran yang diduga berasal dari Koramil 415-13/Sebapo viral di media sosial.Surat tersebut ditujukan kepada pihak ...

www.youtube.com

When it comes to matters like this, these group of people have shown a remarkable creativity and absolutely no shame.

This is getting out of control it seems! Just the other day, as I was returning home, the main access road was blocked with motorbikes, due to the Banjar working on the Ogoh Ogoh! This is on March 20th. 8 days before Ogoh Ogoh day. When I passed in front of the Banjar, there was plenty of room for the bikes, so why did they have to block the way to the Clinic?
I thought this was so thoughtless. What if some elder person at the clinic had an emergency and needed to be rushed to the hospital? Now they want people to pay 1Jt. For building the Ogoh Ogoh! It seems Greed is becoming a factor in all of this. Pay or no rubbish pick up, come on?

 

[Dave70]

Corrupt Practice Everywhere in every layer (?)

I came across this information on another forum. Apparently, people are being forced to give money under the guise of a "forced donation" (THR money).

KOMPAS newspaper published an in-depth research and report to expose criminal activities (premanisme) of mass organizations (ormas) on 17 & 18 March 2025. The special reports (liputan investigasi) are on pages 1 & 2, quite a long read, 10 articles in all. Essential read for those doing business in Indonesia, especially factory owners and PMA companies.

 

[Shadrach]

Being asked twice to donate for the Ogoh Ogoh seems a bit much much. And the nerve of them to refuse a donation of 200RP. And demanding 1JT. Is outrageous! I would have refused! The ceremony and religion is not a tourist or expats business! I went to a dinner party once, above Ubud, for about 8 foreigners. The woman had to hire two locals to handle parking. There were only 8 bikes! The kitchen was full of locals eating everything in sight, and didn't bring or pay for anything! This forced incorporation into the community is too much. All of this on top of paying a lease!

 

[pantaiema]

Being asked twice to donate for the Ogoh Ogoh seems a bit much much. And the nerve of them to refuse a donation of 200RP. And demanding 1JT. Is outrageous! I would have refused! The ceremony and religion is not a tourist or expats business! I went to a dinner party once, above Ubud, for about 8 foreigners. The woman had to hire two locals to handle parking. There were only 8 bikes! The kitchen was full of locals eating everything in sight, and didn't bring or pay for anything! This forced incorporation into the community is too much. All of this on top of paying a lease!

As mentioned earlier, the Balinese Provincial Government is already imposing a Rp150k tourist levy. To my knowledge, Bali is the only province in Indonesia that implements such a levy, and the funds collected can only be used by the Balinese provincial authorities.

Although they claim that the money will be allocated for tourism-related activities, visitors are already paying entrance fees at various tourist attractions. Given the usual fate of public funds, it’s not difficult to predict where this money will end up, most likely in the pockets of Balinese civil servants, topping up their salaries, rather than being used to enhance tourist facilities.

 

[pantaiema]

Another alleged alleged bribery case of Rp60M.
This Head of the South Jakarta District Court, Muhammad Arif Nuryanta, has been officially named a suspect by the Attorney General's Office. This determination was made because Arif was suspected of being involved in a bribery case related to crude palm oil (CPO) export facilities. In this case, three large companies were said to be involved, namely the Wilmar Group, Permata Hijau Group, and Musim Mas Group. Arif is suspected of accepting bribes with a fantastic value, reaching 60 billion rupiah. The funds were allegedly used to arrange the composition of the panel of judges and ensure that the three companies were declared not guilty or 'ontslaag' in the ongoing legal case.

During investigation the state prosecutors found luxurious cars, including Ferrari, and a pile up of cash in various currencies.

Ketua Pengadilan Negeri Jaksel Diduga Terima Suap Rp 60 M, Ini Jumlah Harta Kekayaannya

Ketua Pengadilan Negeri Jaksel Diduga Terima Suap Rp 60 M, Ini Jumlah Harta Kekayaannya

video.kompas.com

If judges can be bribed, even those on the Supreme Court, and a reasonable number of such cases have already been reported, then what is the point of having a court?

 

[centurion]

As mentioned earlier, the Balinese Provincial Government is already imposing a Rp150k tourist levy. To my knowledge, Bali is the only province in Indonesia that implements such a levy, and the funds collected can only be used by the Balinese provincial authorities.

Although they claim that the money will be allocated for tourism-related activities, visitors are already paying entrance fees at various tourist attractions. Given the usual fate of public funds, it’s not difficult to predict where this money will end up, most likely in the pockets of Balinese civil servants, topping up their salaries, rather than being used to enhance tourist facilities.

Been on Bali last week no collecting booth for this tax on or after airport.

 

[pantaiema]

Been on Bali last week no collecting booth for this tax on or after airport.

Regarding the collection point, a few people have mentioned this in other forums. There is a counter available at the international airport, just after exiting the Arrivals Terminal.

Ideally, the collection could be done alongside the Visa on Arrival (VoA) process, but from what I understand, immigration officials decline to collect it for them. Additionally, the Indonesian National Police have also refused to police it, so they’ll have to depend on their local government staff for enforcement.

Alternatively, based on their guidance, you could also pay it online from Balinese province website, https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ and you will receive the levy voucher via email.

Also, if I recall correctly (though I would need to check the exact wording), holders of ITAS/ ITAP are exempt from this levy, but they must apply for the exemption.