The Kepri Prosecutor’s Office is on the verge of naming a suspect in the corruption case involving mismanaged funds at PT. Pelabuhan Batam Persero, after receiving an audit report outlining significant state financial losses.
In Tanjungpinang, the Kepri High Prosecutor’s Office has announced imminent charges in the corruption investigation at PT. Pelabuhan Batam Persero. The allegations involve misappropriation and manipulation of non-tax revenues collected at the port managed by BP Batam Area.
Prosecutors are finalizing the investigation, having examined 25 witnesses from BP Batam Area and PT. Pelabuhan Batam, and are preparing to confirm the suspect based on collected evidence and legal proceedings.
Following the audit, Kepri’s high-profile legal officials, including the Head of Legal Information at the Kepri State Attorney’s Office, Yusnan Yusuf, announced that the investigation has reached a critical phase where a suspect will soon be named based on the gathered evidence, including witness testimonies from 25 individuals associated with the port and BP Kawasan Batam.
The mismanagement involves non-tax revenues from 2015 to 2021, during which 5% of collected revenues were reportedly not remitted to the state’s coffers, and discrepancies of up to 20% were found in payment records, leading to a reported loss of IDR 14 billion (approx. SGD 1.19 million).
The recent audit by the BPKP (Supreme Audit Agency) has highlighted the depth of financial irregularities, prompting immediate action from the Kepri Prosecutor’s Office to hold those responsible accountable.
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While the Director of PT. Pelabuhan Batam Persero, Dendi Gusdinar, has refrained from commenting specifically on the allegations, stating that PT. Persero manages the containers at Batu Ampar, the prosecutorial team is focused on concrete evidence and legal procedures.
The impending naming of a corruption suspect marks a critical step towards accountability and rectitude in managing public resources in Indonesia, with potential implications for investor confidence and governance practices in regional ports.
The Kepri Prosecutor’s Office is set to name a suspect in a corruption case at PT. Pelabuhan Batam Persero, following an audit revealing significant losses. This development emphasizes the need for enhanced governance and transparency in public sector operations, resonating across the region.
Source: Presmedia (2024)
