Indonesian Billionaire’s Light Sentence Appealed in $20 Billion Corruption case
Indonesian prosecutors are challenging the sentences given to five individuals, including prominent businessman Harvey Moeis, in a major corruption case involving the tin trade. The appeal, filed on December 27, 2024, argues that the sentences were too lenient, given the scale of the alleged crime and its impact.
The case centers around alleged corruption within PT Timah Tbk, a major Indonesian tin mining company. Moeis and four co-defendants were found guilty of corruption and money laundering related to the company’s operations between 2015 and 2022. The alleged losses to the Indonesian state are estimated at a staggering 300 trillion Indonesian Rupiah, wich equates to approximately $20 billion USD.
Sutikno, Director of Jampidsus Prosecution at the Attorney General’s Office, explained the reasoning behind the appeal. He stated, “(Reason) one, the decision is too light, especially for the corporal crime.From this it appears that the judge is only considering their role, the perpetrators. But the judge seems to have not considered or not considered the impact they have had on the people of Bangka Belitung.”
the original verdict, delivered on December 23, 2024, at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court, saw Moeis sentenced to six years and six months in prison. Presiding Judge Eko Aryanto stated during the sentencing, ”on trial, declare that Defendant Harvey Moeis has been legally and convincingly proven guilty of committing criminal acts of corruption together and committing criminal acts of money laundering.” This sentence was significantly less than the 12-year sentence initially sought by prosecutors.
the other defendants also received sentences considered too lenient by the prosecution. Suwito Gunawan,Suparta,and Robert Indiarto each received eight-year sentences,despite the prosecution requesting 14 years. Reza Andriansyah received an eight-year sentence, while the prosecution had sought a five-year sentence. The discrepancy between the requested and imposed sentences is fueling the appeal.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in combating corruption in Indonesia, a nation grappling with critically important economic and social consequences stemming from such crimes. The appeal underscores the determination of Indonesian authorities to pursue justice and ensure accountability for those involved in large-scale financial crimes. The outcome of the appeal will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as it sets a precedent for future corruption cases.