Post by : Shakul

Jakarta, Indonesia — A high‑profile figure in one of Indonesia’s largest corruption scandals has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term, marking a major development in the sprawling case involving state‑owned energy firm Pertamina.

On 26 February 2026, the Jakarta Corruption Court handed down a 15‑year prison sentence to Muhammad Kerry Adrianto Riza, the son of oil tycoon Mohammad Riza Chalid, for his role in a corruption scheme that prosecutors say caused an estimated US $17 billion in state losses.

Kerry, a former vice director at PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional, was convicted of manipulating lease agreements and colluding with several Pertamina executives to orchestrate irregular contracts and fuel imports. Judge Fajar Kusuma Aji ruled that Kerry had “jointly committed corruption,” as defined under Indonesian law.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Kerry to pay a fine of roughly US $59,500 and about US $173 million in restitution to the state — otherwise his assets may be seized.

Kerry’s conviction is the most high‑profile in the Pertamina graft saga, which has already seen other defendants, including former executives of Pertamina subsidiaries, receive custodial sentences ranging from nine to 15 years.

The scandal stems from alleged corrupt dealings linked to fuel terminal leasing and crude oil procurement at inflated costs, causing massive losses to the Indonesian coffers, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

While Kerry has been convicted, his father — known in media as the “gasoline godfather” — Mohammad Riza Chalid, remains a fugitive. Interpol issued a Red Notice for Chalid’s arrest in January 2026, after he allegedly evaded authorities.

The verdict underscores continued efforts by Indonesian authorities to tackle corruption in state‑linked enterprises. President Prabowo Subianto’s government has made anti‑graft enforcement a priority, especially in strategic sectors such as energy.

Kerry and his co‑defendants have indicated plans to appeal the verdict, but for now the sentencing represents a significant legal milestone in one of the country’s most consequential corruption prosecutions in recent years.

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