Kejari Batam detains AO, director of PT Daviena Alam Semesta, over Rp3.7 billion tax corruption case

The Batam District Prosecutor’s Office (Kejari Batam) has arrested AO, the director of PT Daviena Alam Semesta, operator of Hotel Da Vienna Boutique, for alleged corruption involving Rp3.78 billion in unpaid regional taxes between 2020 and 2024.

Years of Unpaid Hotel Taxes

According to Kejari Batam, AO failed to remit the Pajak Barang dan Jasa Tertentu (PBJT) — a tax on goods and specific services — to the Batam City Government for four consecutive years. Despite repeated reminders, including formal notices and public warnings, the hotel did not fulfill its obligations.

Batam Chief Prosecutor I Wayan Wiradarma said AO intentionally diverted company funds for personal use since the hotel began operating around 2015, leading to unstable finances and mounting unpaid taxes. “The money that should have gone to regional tax payments was instead used for private purposes,” he stated.

Evidence and Legal Basis

The prosecution’s investigation, guided by Surat Perintah Penyidikan No. PRINT-4505A/L.10.11/Fd.2/08/2025, uncovered four key pieces of evidence — witness testimonies, expert statements, documents, and indications — confirming AO’s misconduct.

Following a BPKP (Financial and Development Supervisory Agency) audit, losses to the state were calculated at Rp3,785,520,316.78, corresponding to unpaid hotel service taxes between 2020 and 2024. AO’s actions, prosecutors said, clearly violated Articles 2 and/or 3 of Law No. 31/1999 on the Eradication of Corruption, as amended by Law No. 20/2001, which covers acts of self-enrichment that harm state finances.

Attempt to Evade Responsibility

Investigators also revealed that AO attempted to transfer ownership of the hotel to PT Mahkota Metro Indonesia between September and December 2024 in an effort to escape liability. The move was described by prosecutors as a deliberate attempt to evade legal consequences.

Despite these actions, Kejari Batam confirmed that AO has been formally detained since October 6, 2025, under warrant No. Print-5212/L.10.11/Fd.2/10/2025. He is being held at the Batam State Detention Center (Rutan) for an initial 20-day period to prevent interference with the ongoing investigation.

Broader Probe and Other Suspects

Head of the Special Crimes Unit (Kasi Pidsus) Tohom Hasiholan said the case emerged after the Batam City Government granted Kejari Batam special power of attorney to pursue unpaid taxes. The office has since questioned 18 witnesses and continues to explore potential involvement of other parties.

“We are still investigating and do not rule out the possibility of additional suspects,” Tohom stated. He added that the investigation reflects a joint effort between Kejari Batam and BPKP to safeguard regional finances and restore accountability in Batam’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Corruption in the Tourism Sector Under Scrutiny

This case adds to a growing list of corruption scandals within Batam’s tourism and hospitality industry, which authorities have flagged as prone to regional tax leakage. The crackdown underscores ongoing government efforts to ensure transparency, especially in high-revenue sectors like hotels and entertainment that contribute significantly to local development.

Kejari Batam affirmed that it will “act firmly against anyone attempting to obstruct the investigation”, emphasizing that accountability will extend to any individuals or entities found complicit in the scheme.

The arrest of AO marks a significant move by law enforcement to uphold tax integrity and fiscal responsibility in Batam’s tourism sector. The case serves as a warning to business operators across Indonesia that misusing public funds and evading taxes will face firm legal consequences, as authorities tighten oversight on corruption linked to regional revenues.

Sources: Bataminfo.co.id (2025) , Ulasan.co (2025)

Keywords: AO Batam, Daviena Alam Semesta, Hotel Da Vienna Boutique, Tax Corruption, BPKP Audit, Kejari Batam