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

[marcus]

The link would not open ... I use Chrome as the browser so not sure what the problem is ...

I had no problem getting that link with a Chrome browser (Version 153.0.8010.52, without VPN) , but with Linux OS . My Chrome by default blocks JavaScript and images , so sometimes I have to allow (1 or both) to get some pages , but not for this case (although no images of course , which I prefer , to minimize internet traffic) .

Didn't you try with a different browser ? I got that link with the Firefox version 156.0 too .

 

[harryopal1]

Thanks Marcus but Snpark provided a scan of the info. I seem to be living in some kind of Bermuda Triangle of technological mishaps. Just now my VPN would not open. Had to uninstall and reinstall. I lurch from laptop problems to mobile problems, flat batteries and messages such as, "Please try again later." Just get used to a system and then there is a new layer of security to negotiate and so it goes.

 

[pantaiema]

Indra Kenz, the fraudster behind the Binomo Ponzi scheme that cost victims billions of Rupiah, was originally handed a 10-year prison sentence and a Rp5b fine in November 2022.

Indra Kenz Binonomo. Is it justified that the assets are confiscated by the state instead of returned to the victim of this pyramid scam

Indra Kenz Binonomo. Is it justified that the assets are confiscated by the state instead of returned to the victim of this pyramid/ponzi scam https://voi.id/en/news/227481/read How come you expect the vitim of other Robo-tradings such as ATG, Net89, Fahranheit want to come forward knowing that...

www.expatindo.org

Yet, he served just under four years before being released on parole from Cibinong Prison on September 24, 2026.

To make matters worse, Cibinong Prison was recently exposed for converting some parts of the prison to become hotel alike accommodation. The investigators found Kenz's personal belongings in the luxury accommodation in this prison.

Indra Kenz's Conditional Release on parole on the Brink: Cibinong Prison's Luxury Cluster a Trigger

Other elite convicts, such as Harvey Moeis (from the multi-trillion Rupiah PT Timah corruption case) and Ferdy Sambo (the former police general convicted of murder) has also been in this prison.

In Tommy Suharto case, he was originally sentenced to 15yrs for mastermind the murder of the Judge sentencing him yet he actually spent just four years. There were widespread rumours and reports about Tommy Suharto receiving highly preferential treatment and frequently leaving prison during his sentence. Reports indicated that he was repeatedly allowed to travel in and out of the prison under the pretext of "medical reasons". However, instead of just receiving medical care, he was reportedly seen visiting an exclusive golf course in Jakarta.

Also where did all of the money this corrupt embezzle go ? In Indra Kenz he also got fine of Rp5b and the victims did not get their money back. It leaves little to the imagination when you think about where all that stolen/corrupt money really went. This is especially true for cases of derivative corruption, where one corrupt act stems directly from a previous one, creating a complex web of accomplices at every stage.

Given Indonesia's long, repeating history of wealthy inmates buying VIP prison experiences, other parties colluding, benefiting from it including the money that have been embezzled, it raises a serious question: do prison sentences in Indonesia actually deter crime any more?

 

[pantaiema]

Double beds, aircon and big-screen TVs: Indonesia suspends officials over luxury prison cells

The discovery of the compound has renewed scrutiny of Indonesia’s prisons, which have long faced allegations that well-connected inmates can obtain preferential treatment through bribery

www.theguardian.com

Indonesia’s prisons have long faced allegations that well-connected inmates can obtain preferential treatment through bribery

The story of a prison converted into luxury hotel alike accommodations has captured global attention, though it is far from an isolated incident. Indonesian prisons have long struggled with allegations that wealthy or well-connected inmates use bribery to secure preferential treatment (post #150).

The current investigation centres on the chief warden of Cibinong Prison. It seems highly improbable that such extensive construction could go unnoticed for years by higher-ranking officials and superiors. Furthermore, experts doubt this is the only facility where cells have been turned into luxury living spaces, as similar corruption scandals have recurred over time. When it comes to systemic collusion, shameless and sacrificing a few scapegoats, Indonesian elites and politicians are arguably unmatchable.

 

[pantaiema]

KPK Sting Operation at BNPB: 5 Suspects Alleged Disaster Fund Corruption | Good Morning Indonesia

Corrupted Disaster Funds, Do You Dare to Give Death Sentence? [Primetime News]

KPK Duga Adik Eks Kepala BNPB Gunakan Dana Bencana Rp30,98 Miliar untuk Beli Saham - Aktual.com

Jakarta, Aktual.com – Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) menduga dana pengadaan penanganan bencana di lingkungan Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB) mengalir ke perusahaan terafiliasi dengan Bima Setiawan dan digunakan untuk membeli saham senilai Rp30,98 miliar. Bima, tenaga ahli...

aktual.com

KPK suspects the younger brother of the former BNPB chief used Rp 30.98 billion in disaster funds to buy shares.


Speaking out about BNPB corruption, Mahfud: "Our nation is truly sick!"

When disaster strikes, like a tsunami, volcanic eruption, earthquake, big fire or flash flood funds set aside for emergency relief are supposed to be a lifeline. But then the KPK swooped in on Tuesday night, October 13, in a massive sting operation (OTT), picking up 14 people and ultimately locking down five suspects.

What makes it extra messy is that one of the big names caught up in this sting operation (OTT) is Bima, a younger brother of Ex-BNPB, Suharyanto. Bima was also hired as an expert / consultant in this National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB). It’s pretty hard to imagine that happening without the big boss, the BNPB chief knowing anything about it.

The whole point of those Ready-to-Use Funds (DSP) in the BNPB budget is to be there right away when natural disasters hit; funding for search and rescue operation, getting people out safely, and covering essentials like healthcare, clean water, food, and clothes. Instead, those emergency funds allegedly got embezzled, leaving barely anything behind when people actually needed help the most.

We have seen this scene before multiple times. Think about how cash meant for animal and marine welfare in national zoos, Maintenance and Procurement needed for fire brigade Fire trucks, hoses, pump, etc have been embezzled.

What have been encountered in the sting Operation (OTT) sofar is just the tip of the iceberg. Just because folks haven't gotten caught for other shady practices doesn’t mean they aren't happening behind the scenes.

 

[Balifrog]

The numbers are staggering....

Indonesia Blocks 702,833 Accounts Linked to Financial Scams, Recovers $11.4 Million for Victims

According to OJK data, authorities have frozen Rp 825.2 billion ($45.4 million) in funds linked to suspected fraudulent transactions.

jakartaglobe.id

 

[snpark]

But all i see is stupid people with suitcases of gold bars and SG$ under their beds lol. And an aircraft hanger full of 100,000 notes lol. Five hundred quadrillion rupiah. Aka $10 million rupiah only or something.

Also part of their greed problem. Just steal a few million and be done. Not hundreds of millions and keep it at home under your bed. They have no way to launder it especially the size of the note here. 100rb is $6 lol.

€500 note much more practical to launder.

That's why they buy apartments in cash here or cars and hide them in four seasons apartments car parking or give to cewek in a Kos to drive lol

Or basically every other bar restaurant in Senopati or PIK that's opens and closes and refurbish with cash and reopens às same boring concept but more expensive luxurious interior and same owners.

I remember a film once about bank robbers who opened a pizza place to launder their money and it became more successful than their initial loot

Of course in London you just open a money changer hahaha

Here you just buy a new apartment and pray. Hence all these new projects example behind Shangri-la apartment mewah. Who can afford and who's buying these places. They're all empty and in darkness at night.

Allegedly. Said the friend of a friend describing a movie plot scenario in international waters years ago said a stranger in airline lounge once.

 

[harryopal1]

I recently watched an interview with a young African scammer who lamented that this was the only way he could make money. He said he didn't take advantage of old people just focussed on men who thought they were engaging with a young woman. The scammer went on to say he was looking forward to getting out and just wanted to have $1 million and then he would quit.

 

[snpark]

Greed
Even the smartest people want more

Thats why these phishing emails are full of mistakes and typos that most ordinary people spot immediately

They can cut down 90% of their prospect list. Anyone who replies is instantly flagged as a potential victim and you would be amazed at how many really smart professional people still believe the nonsense and it's down to greed

My favourite reply on a plane sat in J or F when the nosy Indian "what do you do" and I wink and say hey you know those emails from the Nigerian Prince? I replied once, turns out it's genuine, he used my account to get $50m out of Lagos and I made $10m from it so now I don't work. And he looks shocked and surprised and I say no honestly try it, it's real

Just then the Purser strolls by "Mr Park nice to see you again, more champagne? Off to JFK again?

Hahahaha Love it

 

[harryopal1]

I was once offered 10% on one of those Nigerian deals. I replied and said I wanted 90%. The scammer came back to scold me for being greedy.

 

[snpark]