Polri’s Anti‑Corruption Task Force searched a former French restaurant owned by Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah. (Transatu)
Indonesia’s Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, resigned from his position on July 11 following the police raid on his local residence and cafe on July 8. During that operation, investigators seized 20 million US dollar in cash across multiple currencies and 74 kg (163 lbs) of gold bars. On July 11, the Head of the National Police Anti-Corruption Task Force named Febrie as a suspect of corruption and graft.
Febrie defended himself, stating, “that [the money and gold, ed.] has an owner, that there was some activity, there were also people who received [payments/benefits] from that activity — that can also be asked about. There were also some building-related activities that can be checked. We’re confident all of this can be properly accounted for, but of course not through a forum like this one — rather through a forum or proceeding that follows proper legal procedure,” he said.
Authorities charged Febrie related to the coal governance involving major Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises, including the National Electricity Company (PLN), PT Asabri and PT Krakatau Steel. Alleged misuse of funds in the PLN caused 5 trillion Indonesian rupiah (300 million US dollars) in state losses. He is also accused of extortion, bribery, and money laundering connected to the former security officer’s insurer, PT Asabri, and the manufacturing company, PT Krakatau Steel.
Prior to his resignation, Febrie had led high-profile graft prosecutions, including investigations into former government officials, the National Nutrition Agency and cases against Indonesia’s largest tech firm Gojek’s founder and former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, former Trade Minister Tom Lembong and several state-owned companies.
Allegations surrounding his arrests were also controversial. Reports suggested collusion with the Indonesian armed forces (TNI) with troops allegedly guarding his house as requested by the AGO. After the police raid, two one-star generals and some officers reportedly stormed the Regional Police Headquarters of Jakarta to prevent witness testimony—a claim denied directly by the TNI.
Febrie’s case underscores a deepening institutional tensions among law enforcement agencies. The Polri, AGO and the military are actively defending their respective institutional roles. This may also have broader implications for governance and transparency as the House of Representatives moves forward with plans to establish the joint anti-corruption task force involving the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
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