Indonesia's Chief Ombudsman Arrested in Bribery Scandal

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office arrested Hery Susanto, the country's chief ombudsman, for allegedly taking a bribe from a local nickel company. Susanto, appointed just six days before the arrest, reportedly accepted 1.5 billion rupiah to alter tax recommendations for the company, violating Indonesia's bribery laws.

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has apprehended Hery Susanto, the nation's chief ombudsman, on allegations of accepting a bribe from a local nickel company. The arrest occurred a mere six days after his appointment.

Syarief Sulaeman Nahdi, the director of investigations, stated that Susanto had been inaugurated as chief ombudsman on April 10. However, it is alleged he received 1.5 billion rupiah, equivalent to $87,540.12, from the nickel company while serving on Indonesia's ombudsman board from 2021 to 2026.

The company, identified as TSHI, faced issues with tax bill calculations, which led to an arrangement with Susanto to alter the Forestry Ministry's tax payment recommendations. Such actions violate Indonesia's criminal code on bribery, potentially resulting in a maximum sentence of three years in jail.

(With inputs from agencies.)