It might be a case of poor judgment, but it could also involve corruption in the procurement process. That’s what state prosecutors are currently investigating. Based on patterns seen in similar cases across Indonesia, it's often the latter is true. Previous investigations have commonly uncovered issues like bribery, inflated costs, and other forms of misconduct.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNITY FOR EXPATS IN INDONESIA
Indonesia & Corruption: a few articles in the past few weeks
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Mohammad Yusuf
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The sheer volume of procurement-related scandals coming out of Indonesia lately - education ministry, textiles, courts - should be setting off alarms for anyone serious about transparency. When billions are funneled through unchecked channels, often with zero accountability, it's not just mismanagement, it’s systemic rot. This is exactly the kind of situation where filing a confidential report on procurement fraud can matter. Because if no one steps up, this cycle doesn’t just continue, it gets worse.
Check about the magic vacine procurement in the E.U and Switserland during Covigedom drama.....
jstar
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It’s not so difficult to find examples of corruption and fraud in the west, esp. in procurement. Another example is the gift that had to be paid anyway on face masks 
But those are huge scandals and are considered to be out of the norm.
Contrary to what many foreigners here think, this is not small scale corruption. In Indonesia you have an embedded issue in society. Under the first president Soekarno there was already huge corruption (and skyrocketing inflation of 600% yearly). And Soeharto won the ‘price’ from the World Bank as the most corrupt politician in modern history. He was at the top of a pyramid and a through and through corrupt system. And his wife was called Ibu Tien, which alluded also to the fact she asked for 10% of every project and economic endeavor. The amount of arrested governors and regents the last years, is huge.
This can not be eradicated like they did in Singapore. An independent KPK, new stricter laws and outrage in the public opinion don’t seem te be enough. There is simply no will to end it.
But those are huge scandals and are considered to be out of the norm.
Contrary to what many foreigners here think, this is not small scale corruption. In Indonesia you have an embedded issue in society. Under the first president Soekarno there was already huge corruption (and skyrocketing inflation of 600% yearly). And Soeharto won the ‘price’ from the World Bank as the most corrupt politician in modern history. He was at the top of a pyramid and a through and through corrupt system. And his wife was called Ibu Tien, which alluded also to the fact she asked for 10% of every project and economic endeavor. The amount of arrested governors and regents the last years, is huge.
This can not be eradicated like they did in Singapore. An independent KPK, new stricter laws and outrage in the public opinion don’t seem te be enough. There is simply no will to end it.
Here's a breakdown of the key points, why this could be a corruption case via collusion in the procurement:
The case involves alleged corruption via potential collusion in the procurement of Chromebook laptops for education, with potential state losses reaching almost Rp10T. The issue initially surfaced in 2021, but the investigation officially began on May 20, 2025
The investigation is looking into why Chromebooks were chosen over Windows OS, despite initial recommendations for Windows. Investigators are exploring potential collusion and conflicts of interest
The investigation involves examining the roles of former Minister of Education and Culture, Nadiem Makarim, and his staff. The probe includes looking into the potential involvement of other institutions and individuals
There are concerns about the transparency and fairness of the procurement process, particularly regarding the limited number of suppliers. Recommendations include ensuring presidential support for the investigation's independence and involving the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to trace potential kickbacks.
Another Corruption case, via extortion
Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered a bribery scheme involving companies seeking permits for foreign workers. Eight officials from the Ministry of Manpower are accused of extorting a total of Rp 53.7 billion (approximately $3.3 million) between 2019 and 2024. The officials are believed to have exploited the foreign labor permit process by soliciting bribes in exchange for approving the mandatory RPTKA documents. Applicants who paid were reportedly given preferential treatment, while those who refused faced delays or were ignored. The KPK is also probing possible money laundering activities linked to the scheme, which may date back to 2012.
The suspects include former and current directors within the ministry’s Directorate General for Tabour Placement and Employment Expansion (Binapenta) and the Directorate for the Control of Foreign Workers (PPTKA).
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/want-i...s-extortion-methods-targeting-foreign-workers
expatindonesia.id
Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered a bribery scheme involving companies seeking permits for foreign workers. Eight officials from the Ministry of Manpower are accused of extorting a total of Rp 53.7 billion (approximately $3.3 million) between 2019 and 2024. The officials are believed to have exploited the foreign labor permit process by soliciting bribes in exchange for approving the mandatory RPTKA documents. Applicants who paid were reportedly given preferential treatment, while those who refused faced delays or were ignored. The KPK is also probing possible money laundering activities linked to the scheme, which may date back to 2012.
The suspects include former and current directors within the ministry’s Directorate General for Tabour Placement and Employment Expansion (Binapenta) and the Directorate for the Control of Foreign Workers (PPTKA).
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/want-i...s-extortion-methods-targeting-foreign-workers
KPK Probes USD 3.53 Million Foreign Worker Extortion Involving Senior Officials - Expat Indonesia
Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is deepening its investigation into a massive extortion and bribery scheme within the Ministry of Manpower, where corrupt officials allegedly forced foreign workers to pay for permits—collecting at least USD 3.53 million since 2019. According...
expatindonesia.id
jstar
Mr. 10,000
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Yeah and in Indonesia, there isn't a fixed statute of limitations for these corruption investigations. The KPK can go back however long they want. But if it gets too complicated they can (read: have to) pull out after two years. Thanks to the law of 2019.
And another one...
Deputy CEO of Bankrupt Sritex Detained over Rp 1 Trillion Loan Fraud
Iwan is the younger brother of former Sritex CEO Iwan Setiawan Lukminto, who had already been taken into custody in the same case.
jakartaglobe.id
Another corruption case involving deputy manpower minister, Immanuel Ebenezer. The motive is extortion, illegally overcharging the K3 (Occupational Safety and Health certification which is a key requirement for ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. It's a formal recognition that an individual or a company meets national standards for workplace safety.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Indonesia's anti-graft agency, alleges that this deputy manpower ministers was involved in an extortion scheme and receive around Rp3b from the extorted money. The scheme involved inflating the fees for K3 certifications. The official fee for a K3 certificate is reportedly around IDR 275,000 (approximately $17 USD), but applicants were allegedly forced to pay up to IDR 6 million (approximately $370 USD).
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Indonesia's anti-graft agency, alleges that this deputy manpower ministers was involved in an extortion scheme and receive around Rp3b from the extorted money. The scheme involved inflating the fees for K3 certifications. The official fee for a K3 certificate is reportedly around IDR 275,000 (approximately $17 USD), but applicants were allegedly forced to pay up to IDR 6 million (approximately $370 USD).
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And one more.....
KPK Seizes 15 Cars From Lawmaker in Bank Indonesia Social Fund Misuse Probe
KPK seizes 15 cars from MP Satori, accused with fellow lawmaker of misusing Bank Indonesia and OJK social funds for personal gain.
jakartaglobe.id
Good news. Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) has been officially delisted from the National Strategic Project (PSN) program.
www.cnnindonesia.com
finance.detik.com
www.kompasiana.com
Aguan's PIK 2 development (a Rp 65 trillion investment by Agung Sedayu Group) is no longer designated a National Strategic Project (PSN), effectively ending its access to special state benefits like fast-track licensing.
The removal from PSN is significant because the PSN status was historically abused by Indonesian conglomerates to force the sale of land from poor residents at extremely low prices, allowing the developers to profit immensely, sometimes reselling the land for 1,000 times the original cost. Now operating without this controversial leverage, the project must adhere to normal legal requirements to continue.
Melihat Putusan MA yang Membuat PIK 2 Ditendang dari PSN Prabowo
Putusan MA Nomor 12 P/HUM/2025 menjadi pertimbangan pemerintah mencoret PIK 2 dari PSN.
www.cnnindonesia.com
PIK 2 Dicoret dari PSN, Tak Dapat Lagi Keuntungan Ini
Jika sebuah proyek dihapus dari daftar PSN, proyek tersebut tidak lagi mendapatkan kemudahan perizinan dan fasilitas lainnya seperti PSN pada umumnya.
finance.detik.com
Langkah Tegas Prabowo Hapus PIK 2 dari PSN: Kepemimpinan yang Tak Tunduk pada Kepentingan Golongan
Presiden Prabowo Subianto mencabut proyek Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2 Tropical Coastland dari daftar Proyek Strategis Nasional (PSN)
www.kompasiana.com
Aguan's PIK 2 development (a Rp 65 trillion investment by Agung Sedayu Group) is no longer designated a National Strategic Project (PSN), effectively ending its access to special state benefits like fast-track licensing.
The removal from PSN is significant because the PSN status was historically abused by Indonesian conglomerates to force the sale of land from poor residents at extremely low prices, allowing the developers to profit immensely, sometimes reselling the land for 1,000 times the original cost. Now operating without this controversial leverage, the project must adhere to normal legal requirements to continue.
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kripik-pisang
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I couldn't previously be bothered to search for this, but I just realised that its in the very first article referenced by the original poster "https://www.asiasentinel.com/p/indonesia-kpk-shadow-itself" which says:
"President Joko Widodo felt compelled to instruct bureaucrats to lead modest lives and not make a public display of their wealth, which often doesn’t correspond with what they are required to report."
So this also makes it quite clear. What wealth should they not be displaying?
The article I saw originally referenced a very expensive Balenciaga handbag sported by an officials daughter. Now the question is, if you are not saying wealth obtained corruptly, is OK, why wouldn't you say we will investigate you. But he doesn't, he implies that if you don't display your corrupt wealth, all will be fine
For those who are interested in following this discussion, please refer back to Post #75 in this thread:
https://www.expatindo.org/community...-in-the-past-few-weeks.7079/page-4#post-98506
It’s important to point out that advising people not to flaunt their lifestyle is different from saying that “corruption is fine.”
However, this misinterpretation appears again in the latest Post #254, which states:
If such a serious accusation is being made, then what's truly needed is a direct quote or video clip where Jokowi himself actually says something to this phrase. Without that, it remains an unsubstantiated claim.
Children of wealthy parents are often advised by their parents to keep a low profile, not flaunting the family wealth. However, this doesn't mean the parents are encouraging corruption or suggesting that corrupt behavior is acceptable.
As a reminder, Jokowi did propose the Asset Confiscation Bill (RUU Perampasan Aset), although it has never been passed by the parliament, something that, to any reasonable observer, might hint at the underlying hesitation of the parliement to approve it.
During his presidency, Jokowi imprisoned several influential figures, including a high-ranking police, army generals, powerful businessmen, and prominent politicians. In such an environment, it's essential to keep your own record spotless, as these individuals often have vast resources, strong networks, and the means to retaliate. Even a minor sign of weakness could invite unwanted attention or trouble.
Recently, there has been renewed speculation that there might be corruption involved in the decision made by the government which might include ex-president to award the "Whoosh" high-speed rail project to China, despite Japan reportedly offering a more affordable proposal. However, this is yet to be proven whether a corruption, bribery case is getting involved or it is solely a poor judgement ?
Just to clarify, I do not support or defend anyone involved in corruption, particularly when it occurs on a large scale. Those responsible should be held fully accountable for their actions. Personally, I even believe that strong deterrents, such as the death penalty similar to what was implemented in China during Zhu Rongji's tenure as Prime Minister may be necessary as a form of shock therapy.
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It has reduced the corruption, Macau casinos saw a big drop in business, but not eliminated it.
Sadly money being (with face) the most important thing in Asia, corruption is ingrained in all Asian countries mentality.
Even developped countries like South Korea don't escape it...
I have lived / worked all over Asia, it's the same everywhere.
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The only difference is the cost of admission.
This is the kind of approach China has taken toward corruption. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate it, corruption can be reduced significantly or at least the entrenched corrupt culture can be broken. It’s worth remembering that during the Suharto era, China was on a similar level as Indonesia, but today, China has made significant progress. It will need a political will at the top (leading by example)
Recently
www.independent.co.uk
Previously
www.independent.co.uk
And this is what Zhu Rongji were saying to emphasize his commitment to fighting corruption in China.
"Prepare 100 coffins for corrupts and use 99 of them. Leave 1 coffin for me if I am corrupt"
www.cnnindonesia.com
Are there any of Indonesian politicians top man ever say that ? What has happened is that they keep delaying approving the asset confiscation bill. Let alone the death penalty for the big corruption case.
Recently
Chinese Communist Party expels nine top generals in anti-corruption crackdown
Military leaders removed over suspicion of corruption include No 2 general
www.independent.co.uk
Previously
China executes former Communist Party official in £324m corruption case
Execution coincides with release of Xi Jinping’s speech calling for self-discipline in party
www.independent.co.uk
And this is what Zhu Rongji were saying to emphasize his commitment to fighting corruption in China.
"Prepare 100 coffins for corrupts and use 99 of them. Leave 1 coffin for me if I am corrupt"
Ini Sang 'Penjagal' Koruptor China, Bikin Tiongkok jadi Raksasa Dunia
China pernah punya 'penjagal' menakutkan bagi para koruptor karena kebijakannya yang ganas melawan korupsi di Negeri Tirai Bambu.
www.cnnindonesia.com
Are there any of Indonesian politicians top man ever say that ? What has happened is that they keep delaying approving the asset confiscation bill. Let alone the death penalty for the big corruption case.
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An example of Innovative idea to combat Corruption in Misused of social security net (?)
Indonesia has a social safety net program called 'bansos' designed to assist people living in extreme poverty. Beneficiaries receive small amounts of cash and basic necessities, staples on a regular basis. However, as often happens in Indonesia, the aid has been misdirected to families who are not actually eligible to receive it.
PPATK Reveals State-Owned Enterprise Employees (BUMN), House Members (DPR), and Doctors Received Bansos
Dozens of DPRD Members Receive BSU
Recently, an initiative was introduced to place stickers reading “Keluarga Miskin” (Poor Family) on the homes of those receiving social assistance, as shown in this video. Following this move, several families suddenly claimed they had become financially better off and no longer required the 'bansos' support, in order to avoid having the sticker displayed on their front door.
Hopefully this is not a show case, because in the past, the ineligible receivers might be colluding with the administrator of this program. Other things that need to follow is probably, to produce an online list/data base so people could see who receive this social security net, and make it viral to embarrass those who misuse it.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Q9DbRW1K6Rc
Indonesia has a social safety net program called 'bansos' designed to assist people living in extreme poverty. Beneficiaries receive small amounts of cash and basic necessities, staples on a regular basis. However, as often happens in Indonesia, the aid has been misdirected to families who are not actually eligible to receive it.
PPATK Reveals State-Owned Enterprise Employees (BUMN), House Members (DPR), and Doctors Received Bansos
Dozens of DPRD Members Receive BSU
Recently, an initiative was introduced to place stickers reading “Keluarga Miskin” (Poor Family) on the homes of those receiving social assistance, as shown in this video. Following this move, several families suddenly claimed they had become financially better off and no longer required the 'bansos' support, in order to avoid having the sticker displayed on their front door.
Hopefully this is not a show case, because in the past, the ineligible receivers might be colluding with the administrator of this program. Other things that need to follow is probably, to produce an online list/data base so people could see who receive this social security net, and make it viral to embarrass those who misuse it.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Q9DbRW1K6Rc
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