Indonesia: Ex-Pertamina Executives Jailed in $17 Billion Corruption Case
Jakarta, Indonesia – An Indonesian court has sentenced nine individuals, including two former chief executives of Pertamina subsidiaries, to prison terms ranging from nine to fifteen years in a major corruption case that prosecutors allege resulted in $17 billion in state losses. The verdicts, delivered by the Central Jakarta Court on Thursday and Friday, mark a significant development in President Prabowo Subianto’s administration’s stated commitment to combating corruption.
Yoki Firnandi, the former chief executive of Pertamina International Shipping, and Riva Siahaan, formerly the chief executive of Pertamina Patra Niaga, each received a nine-year sentence, according to reports. Muhamad Kerry Adrianto Riza, identified as a beneficial owner of a fuel terminal leased by Pertamina, was given the longest sentence of fifteen years, falling short of the eighteen years sought by prosecutors.
Riza’s father, Mohammad Riza Chalid, a businessman also named as a suspect in the case, remains at large, according to police. All three men had previously pleaded not guilty, local media reported during the trial.
Following the verdict, Riza’s lawyer, Patra Zen, stated his client would appeal the ruling. Firnandi expressed disappointment, calling the verdict a “farce” and indicating plans to discuss an appeal with his legal counsel. Siahaan’s lawyer, Luhut Pangaribuan, conveyed sadness and disappointment over the outcome.
Pertamina released a statement respecting the court’s decision and reaffirming its “zero tolerance towards corruption.” Company spokesperson Muhammad Baron stated the company is prepared to provide legal assistance to the defendants until a legally binding ruling is issued. “We continue to make improvements and transform in carrying out business processes and operations,” Baron added.
The case centers on allegations of illegal leasing of a fuel terminal and illicit imports of crude oil. President Prabowo Subianto, who assumed office in 2024, has publicly vowed to eradicate corruption within the country, and this case represents one of the largest corruption investigations launched under his administration.
On September 19, 2025, President Prabowo summoned both the Director General of Pertamina, Simon Aloysius Mantiri, and the Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, to Istana Merdeka in Jakarta to discuss fuel distribution to private gas stations, according to a statement from the Presidential Palace. At the time, both officials indicated they would be providing the President with reports.
In January 2026, President Prabowo tasked Simon Aloysius Mantiri with achieving energy self-sufficiency for Indonesia, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Speaking at the inauguration of the RDMP Balikpapan refinery, Prabowo acknowledged public distrust in Pertamina’s management, given the company’s $100 billion valuation. He also accused some individuals of manipulating energy imports for personal gain, vowing to cleanse the company of such practices.
Pertamina recently established a collaborative partnership with Halliburton, formalized on January 12, 2026, with President Prabowo in attendance. The details of this collaboration were not immediately disclosed.