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Jakarta, Indonesia – Former Director Utama of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, Riva Siahaan, was sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday, February 26, 2026, for corruption related to the management of crude oil and refinery products at the state-owned energy company. The verdict, delivered at the Jakarta Anti-Corruption Court, is a significant development in a high-profile case that has drawn scrutiny to governance practices within Pertamina.
Presiding Judge Fajar Kusuma Aji announced the sentence, also including a fine of Rp 1 billion (approximately $63,000 USD) or a subsidiary of 190 days imprisonment. While a substantial penalty, the nine-year term is lighter than the 14-year prison sentence sought by the public prosecutor. The case centers on allegations of corruption within the import of refinery products, involving a scheme to favor certain companies.
The court found Riva Siahaan guilty of conspiring with Maya Kusmaya, Director of Marketing at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, and Edward Corne, VP of Trading Operations at the same company, to manipulate the procurement process. Specifically, the court determined that Riva and Maya granted preferential treatment to several foreign companies based on recommendations from Edward Corne. This preferential treatment involved leaking estimated self-pricing (HPS) information, allowing favored companies to adjust their bids and secure contracts. Companies identified as benefiting from this practice include BP Singapore Pte Ltd and Sinochem International Oil Pte Ltd.
Maya Kusmaya received the same nine-year sentence and Rp 1 billion fine as Riva Siahaan. Edward Corne faced a harsher penalty, receiving a ten-year prison sentence and the same fine amount. Despite the significant financial implications of the alleged corruption, the court opted not to impose restitution orders on the defendants, finding no evidence they personally profited from the scheme. This decision has raised questions about the full extent of the financial damage and accountability within the case.
The court’s reasoning emphasized that the actions of the defendants undermined the government’s efforts to promote clean governance and combat corruption. Mitigating factors considered during sentencing included the defendants’ polite demeanor throughout the proceedings, their lack of prior criminal records, and their family responsibilities.
The alleged corruption involved seven distinct clusters of criminal activity, according to the indictment. Prosecutors estimated the total financial losses to the state to be $2.73 billion USD and Rp 25.4 trillion (approximately $1.6 billion USD). However, the court rejected a larger claim of Rp 171.9 trillion (approximately $10.8 billion USD) in economic losses, citing a lack of clear justification for the figure.
The defendants were found to have violated Article 2 Paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001, along with Article 55 Paragraph (1) clause 1 of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
Prior to the sentencing, reports indicated Riva Siahaan became visibly emotional, bowing before supporters in the courtroom, according to Kompas.com. This display of emotion underscored the gravity of the situation for the former Pertamina executive.
The case has sparked broader discussions about transparency and accountability within Indonesia’s energy sector. The allegations of manipulated bidding processes and preferential treatment raise concerns about fair competition and the potential for further corruption. The outcome of this case is being closely watched by observers of Indonesia’s anti-corruption efforts and the future of state-owned enterprises.
The legal proceedings are not yet fully concluded. While the primary sentencing has been delivered, potential appeals by the defendants remain a possibility. The next step in the process will depend on whether the convicted individuals choose to challenge the court’s decision. Further updates on this case, including any appeals and their outcomes, will be reported as they become available.
This conviction in the Riva Siahaan corruption case sends a strong message about the Indonesian government’s commitment to combating corruption within key state-owned enterprises. The case highlights the importance of robust oversight and transparent procurement processes in ensuring responsible management of national resources.
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