Police delay naming suspects in Batu Ampar Port case pending national audit to confirm state losses

The corruption investigation into the revitalization project at Batu Ampar Port’s northern dock continues, with police in Riau Islands Province awaiting a formal audit from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) before identifying any suspects.

Director of Special Crimes at the Riau Islands Police, Kombes Silvester Mangombo Simamora, confirmed that the investigation hinges on BPK’s audit report to quantify the state losses. “We’ve coordinated with BPK and are still waiting for the results,” he stated on April 16, 2025, in Batam.

High-Profile Witnesses, But No Suspects Yet

The revitalization project, funded by BP Batam’s Public Service Agency (BLU) budget from 2021 to 2023, has so far resulted in no suspect declarations. More than 40 witnesses have been questioned, including former Batam Mayor and ex-BP Batam Chief Muhammad Rudi, who responded to 15 questions during his April 10 session.

Earlier in the investigation, police raided BP Batam offices and two homes in Sukajadi and Rajawali housing estates. Documents confiscated from procurement and planning offices are now part of the evidence under review. The searches took place on March 19.

Multiple Parties Under Scrutiny

Seven individuals have been named as reported parties in the case, including one civil servant (AM), a state-owned enterprise employee (IS), and five from the private sector (IAM, IMS, ASA, AH). The charges potentially involve corruption and money laundering as outlined in Indonesia’s anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws.

The case is being investigated under Article 2 and/or Article 3 of Law No. 31/1999 on the Eradication of Corruption, in conjunction with Articles 3, 4, and 5 of Law No. 8/2010 on Money Laundering, and Article 55(1) of the Indonesian Penal Code.

Port Project Under Tightening Scrutiny

The Batu Ampar revitalization was intended to enhance Batam’s maritime infrastructure, but the case has instead spotlighted potential misuse of public funds. Police are under pressure to ensure transparency and accountability in a high-stakes project within one of Indonesia’s key trade zones.

The Batu Ampar Port corruption probe has reached a critical juncture, with investigators awaiting the BPK audit to determine state losses before advancing charges. The outcome could set a precedent for maritime infrastructure transparency in Batam, where major public projects and strategic locations intersect with national accountability demands.

Sources: Gokepri (2025), Antara News (2025)

Keywords: Batam Port Corruption, Batu Ampar Project, BPK Audit Results, BP Batam Budget, Corruption Investigation Indonesia, Muhammad Rudi Probe, Riau Islands Police