Indonesia ombudsman chief detained 5 days after appointment over alleged nickel mining corruption case

Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office has detained Hery Susanto, Chairman of the Indonesian Ombudsman, just five days after he was formally sworn into office, in connection with an alleged corruption case linked to the governance of nickel mining operations.

Hery, who assumed office on 10 April 2026 for the 2026–2031 term, was named a suspect on 16 April after investigators said they had gathered sufficient evidence in a probe covering mining activities between 2013 and 2025.

The Attorney General’s Office alleges that Hery received Rp1.5 billion (approximately US$87,309) from a director of a mining company, identified as PT TSHI. 

The payment was allegedly made in exchange for assisting the company in influencing the Ombudsman’s stance on a Ministry of Forestry decision related to the calculation of non-tax state revenue.

Investigators said the case centres on efforts to affect regulatory findings concerning financial obligations owed to the state.

The Ombudsman, as a public oversight body, has authority to examine complaints and issue recommendations related to maladministration within state institutions.

Hery’s detention has drawn attention due to its timing, occurring less than a week after his appointment to one of Indonesia’s highest oversight roles.

The Indonesian Ombudsman is an independent institution mandated to supervise public service delivery and handle complaints involving government agencies.

In a statement issued on 16 April, the Ombudsman leadership said the legal case relates to actions that allegedly took place during Hery’s previous term as a member of the institution for the 2021–2026 period.

“The incident concerns matters that occurred during a previous term,” the statement said.

The Ombudsman leadership for the 2026–2031 period expressed regret over the situation and apologised for the public concern it has caused, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining integrity in the oversight of public services.

The statement added that the institution fully respects the ongoing legal process and will cooperate with law enforcement authorities handling the case.

“We emphasise our commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for the presumption of innocence. Every party is entitled to a fair legal process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” the leadership said.

The Ombudsman also stated that internal measures have been put in place to ensure the continuity of its duties, stressing that public service oversight functions will continue to operate normally despite the ongoing proceedings.

The statement was signed by Vice Chairman Rahmadi Indra Tektona along with members Abdul Ghoffar, Fikri Yasin, Maneger Nasution, Nuzran Joher, Partono, Robertus Na Endi Jaweng, and Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan.

Asset disclosures submitted by Hery to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) show that he declared total wealth of Rp4,170,588,649 (approximately US$260,000) for the 2025 reporting period.

The declaration, filed on 17 March 2026 when he was still Deputy Chairman, details holdings in property, vehicles, movable assets, and cash.

Land and buildings account for Rp2.35 billion (around US$146,000), including a property in East Jakarta valued at Rp1.8 billion and another in Cirebon valued at Rp550 million.

His vehicle assets total Rp595 million (approximately US$37,000), consisting of a 2022 Vespa LX IGET 125 motorcycle and a 2025 microbus. He also reported other movable assets worth Rp685.9 million (around US$43,000), along with cash and cash equivalents amounting to Rp539.7 million (approximately US$34,000).

The disclosure indicates a decline in his overall assets compared to the previous year. In a report dated 18 February 2025, his total assets were recorded at Rp4.27 billion (around US$266,000), reflecting a decrease of approximately Rp101.5 million (about US$6,300).

Hery Susanto, born in Cirebon on 9 April 1975, has a background in public policy, advocacy, and institutional oversight. Prior to becoming chairman, he served as a member of the Ombudsman for the 2021–2026 period and held the position of Deputy Chairman.

His previous roles include serving as an expert staff member to Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) from 2014 to 2019, Executive Director of Komunal between 2004 and 2014, and Chairman of the National Coordination of the Public Concern for BPJS from 2016 to 2021.

He completed a doctoral degree in Population and Environmental Education at Universitas Negeri Jakarta in 2024.

The Attorney General’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of further developments as authorities continue to examine evidence and coordinate with relevant institutions.