Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered an alleged bribery network involving customs officials who reportedly received around Rp 7 billion ($414,700) per month in illegal fees to allow counterfeit and undeclared goods to enter the country.
The commission said it had arrested several suspects earlier this week and named six people in a bribery investigation, including three officials from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said the payments were made on a monthly basis in exchange for clearing illegal imports ranging from shoes to other counterfeit products.
"The monthly allocation received by the officials reached approximately Rp 7 billion. The goods that were passed through included fake footwear and various other items," Budi said late Thursday.
Five of the six suspects have been detained, while the sixth – John Field, identified as the owner of importing company Blueray – fled during the arrest operation.
"We have issued a travel ban against the suspect and urge him to cooperate," Budi said.
The other suspects include three customs officials – Rizal, a former director of enforcement and investigation; Sisprian Subiaksono, head of customs intelligence; and Orlando Hamonangan, also an intelligence officer – along with two Blueray employees, Andri and Dedy Kurniawan.
During the operation, investigators seized cash in multiple currencies worth Rp 40.5 billion ($2.4 million), 5.3 kilograms of gold, and a luxury wristwatch.
The KPK said the case highlights persistent vulnerabilities in Indonesia's import controls and reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing corruption cases involving state officials and private-sector actors alike.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how long the alleged scheme had been operating or the total estimated state losses, saying the investigation remains ongoing.