KPK Arrests Customs Official Budiman Bayu Over Alleged Corruption

Jakarta – Indonesian anti-corruption authorities arrested a senior customs official Thursday, citing fears he would attempt to conceal evidence or flee the country as investigators probe a widening corruption scandal within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC). Budiman Bayu Prasojo, Head of Intelligence for Customs Enforcement and Investigation (P2), was apprehended at DJBC headquarters in Jakarta, according to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

“We were concerned that he would eliminate other evidence. We also feared he would depart,” KPK Deputy for Prosecution and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, told reporters Friday. “These subjective reasons led us to immediately carry out the arrest.”

The arrest follows the recent discovery of Rp 5 billion (approximately $315,000 USD) in five suitcases in Ciputat, South Tangerang, prompting a KPK investigation into alleged corruption related to import activities. KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo stated that Prasojo’s arrest came after questioning several suspects and individuals connected to the case, seeking to determine the origin and intended employ of the funds.

“Based on the investigation of several suspects and related parties regarding the discovery of Rp 5 billion in Ciputat, we then determined that BBP (Budiman Bayu Prasojo) was a new suspect in this case,” Prasetyo said Thursday.

Rahayu explained that the KPK opted for immediate arrest rather than allowing Prasojo to remain free even with a suspect designation, fearing attempts to hide evidence from locations beyond a previously identified “safe house.” According to a report by Kompas.id, the safe house has been linked to money hoarders.

Prasojo is accused of violating Article 12B regarding extortion or gratification, in conjunction with Article 20 paragraph C of the new Criminal Code. The KPK has also alleged that Prasojo instructed customs officials to “clean up” the safe house following an initial raid, according to reports.

The investigation also includes scrutiny of the DJKA (Directorate General of Railways Transportation), with the KPK recently questioning a former Head of the Surabaya Railway Technical Center as part of the broader corruption probe, according to investor.id. The connection between the DJKA investigation and the DJBC case remains unclear.

Prasojo is currently being held at the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta for intensive questioning. The KPK has not announced a timeline for further developments in the case.