Ex-TVRI official Meggy Theresia Rares held in Tanjungpinang over Kepri studio project graft
Indonesia’s anti-corruption efforts intensify as the Kepri Prosecutor’s Office detains former TVRI General Affairs Director Meggy Theresia Rares, suspected of embezzling funds in a state-financed studio project.
Former TVRI Executive Named as Fourth Suspect
On June 10, 2025, the Kepri High Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati Kepri) officially detained Meggy Theresia Rares, former General Affairs Director of TVRI (2020–2023), in connection with a corruption case surrounding the 2022 construction of the TVRI Kepulauan Riau studio. She is the fourth individual to be named a suspect in the case, following prior indictments against project stakeholders including consultants and the project commitment officer.
A Fraudulent Project With a Rp10 Billion Budget
The studio construction, funded by the 2022 State Budget (APBN) with a ceiling of Rp10 billion, was initially contracted at Rp9.66 billion, later adjusted due to a Contract Change Order (CCO). The scope included multiple structural tasks such as the development of two floors, roofing, and landscape work. However, investigators found serious discrepancies. Despite reports claiming 100% completion, audits revealed violations of contract specifications, allegedly falsified to facilitate full fund disbursement.
Financial Losses and Charges
The Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK RI) confirmed a state financial loss of Rp9.08 billion. Rares is charged under multiple anti-corruption articles, including Article 2 (1) and Article 18 of Law No. 31/1999, as amended by Law No. 20/2001 on Corruption Eradication, in conjunction with Article 55 (1) of the Criminal Code. Prosecutors argue she acted jointly with other suspects to misuse her authority.
Other Suspects and Partial Fund Recovery
The earlier suspects include:
- Harly Tambunan, Director of PT Tamba Ria Jaya (main contractor),
- Danny Octadwirama, Project Commitment Officer (PPK),
- Anna Triana, consultant acting under PT Daffa Cakra Mulia and PT Bahana Nusantara.
Tambunan has returned SGD 45,000 (approximately Rp527 million) to the state via Kejati Kepri’s holding account, though it covers only a fraction of the reported losses.
Legal Action and Detention Justification
Rares will be held at the Tanjungpinang Class 1 Detention Center from June 10 to June 29, 2025. According to Kepri Chief Prosecutor Teguh Subroto, the detention was necessary to prevent potential obstruction of justice, including tampering with evidence or repeat offenses. The case files for the first three suspects have already reached trial stage at the Tanjungpinang Corruption Court.
This high-profile case underscores Indonesia’s persistent corruption challenges, especially in state-run institutions. The prosecution of high-ranking officials like Rares sends a strong signal about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. For Singaporean entities and investors watching Indonesia’s governance, the case also highlights ongoing risks within public procurement frameworks.
Sources: Haluan Riau (2025) , CNN (2025)
Keywords: Meggy Theresia Rares, TVRI Corruption, Kepri Prosecutor, Studio Fraud, Indonesian Legal News
