Jakarta – Former Pertamina Commissioner Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, widely known as Ahok, testified Monday in a corruption trial concerning the procurement of liquefied natural gas (LNG), engaging in a heated debate with the defendant, Hari Karyuliarto. The proceedings took place at the Jakarta Corruption Court, with prosecutors calling Ahok as a witness.
During his testimony, Ahok stated that during his initial meetings with the company’s directors in January 2026, he was informed of potential losses related to LNG purchases. He revealed that the discovery of LNG imports preceded any firm purchase agreements with buyers.
“What I remember, Mr. Public Prosecutor, when I first joined in January, there was a routine BOD-BOC meeting. And it was in that meeting that it was conveyed that there would be a loss from the sale of LNG,” Ahok stated, according to reports.
The testimony prompted questioning from the prosecution. “Loss? Who conveyed that?” the prosecutor asked.
“The directors. That’s what I remember. Then we were surprised as newcomers why there could be a loss. That’s where the debate started. There was a purchase contract, but there was no buyer with a firm commitment,” Ahok responded.
Ahok explained that importing LNG should have been contingent on a commitment from a buyer. He cited potential losses of $100 million in 2020, with a projected risk of up to $300 million. “Usually, LNG purchases require a commitment from a buyer,” he explained. “Is there an finish-user?” the prosecutor inquired. “Yes, there is. If I’m not mistaken, PLN hadn’t signed off on the price. There was a requirement to deliver, and if I’m not mistaken, the price would be a note for you, sir. So there was a loss of over $100 million. Then it was projected that in 2020 there were cargoes with no buyers. If that happened, there could be a loss of around $300 million,” Ahok said.
Following the initial reports of potential losses, Ahok stated that he and fellow commissioners requested an audit. The audit revealed that the directors should have sought approval from the board of commissioners and the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises for the LNG imports. When asked if such a request had been made, Ahok responded, “Not at all, we found no evidence of that.”
The session similarly included a direct exchange between Ahok and defendant Hari Karyuliarto, a former Director of Gas at Pertamina, regarding the profitability of LNG business. Karyuliarto questioned whether Ahok was aware that Pertamina had profited from LNG purchases from Corpus Christi Liquefaction LLC.
“Do you know that Corpus Christi, Woodside, all made a profit?” Karyuliarto asked.
“Yes. That’s what I meant…,” Ahok began, before being interrupted by Karyuliarto. “Do you know?” Karyuliarto pressed.
“I know. Because coincidentally, the price of LNG suddenly rose,” Ahok replied.
Karyuliarto then asked if these profits were discussed during board meetings and why Ahok, as commissioner, hadn’t acknowledged them. The exchange became contentious, leading the judge to intervene, instructing Ahok to simply answer Karyuliarto’s questions. “Do you know if there was a profit?” the judge asked.
“I know. If there’s a profit, there’s a loss, we know. Why wouldn’t we know?” Ahok responded.
Karyuliarto continued to question Ahok about the profits, suggesting he had consistently avoided acknowledging them. Ahok maintained he was not avoiding the issue, stating that his initial reports in 2020 focused on potential losses. He acknowledged that Pertamina’s overall performance improved during his tenure as commissioner, achieving its largest profit in history, but attributed this to cost optimization efforts, not solely LNG.
The judge intervened again, reprimanding Karyuliarto for repeatedly questioning Ahok about profits and urging him to focus on the specifics of the LNG contracts.
Ahok also engaged in a debate with the defendant’s lawyer, Wa Ode Nur Zainab, regarding the audit request. Wa Ode thanked Ahok for his testimony and then questioned him about the BPK audit request. She further inquired about the funds used by Pertamina to purchase LNG from Corpus Christi Liquefaction LLC. Ahok responded that he was unaware of the details, as the agreements were finalized before his appointment.
The exchange escalated as Wa Ode continued to press Ahok on the details of the LNG purchases, despite his repeated statements of lacking knowledge. Ahok expressed frustration, suggesting that the directors should be questioned instead. He felt he was being cornered and requested that all Pertamina directors be called as witnesses if a complete explanation was desired.
The judge ultimately intervened, urging both Ahok and Wa Ode to remain calm and avoid emotional outbursts. The judge clarified that Ahok’s testimony was based on reports of potential losses received during board meetings and that the focus should remain on those initial concerns.
The court has not announced a date for the next hearing.
