Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Dayang Donna Walfiaries Tania (DDW), Chair of the East Kalimantan Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the 2022–2027 period, as a suspect in a bribery case linked to the extension of mining business permits (IUP) in the province.

Donna, the daughter of former East Kalimantan Governor Awang Faroek Ishak (AFI), allegedly played a central role in negotiating and channeling bribe money to extend permits for six mining companies owned by businessman Rudy Ong Chandra (ROC). Rudy was named a suspect in September last year, alongside two others, including Awang. The former governor, who served from 2008 to 2018, passed away on December 22, 2024, halting proceedings against him.

The KPK said the case builds on earlier investigations into IUP corruption between 2013 and 2018. In addition to Donna, the agency also named Awang Faroek and Rudy as suspects.

“KPK found DDW’s active role in the alleged corruption process of IUP licensing,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, the commission’s acting deputy for enforcement and execution, at a press briefing in Jakarta on Monday.

According to investigators, Donna’s involvement began in early 2015 when she contacted East Kalimantan’s then-energy and mineral resources chief, Amrullah (AMR), to inquire about extending Rudy’s six exploration permits. She later negotiated directly with Rudy through intermediaries, rejecting an initial offer of Rp 1.5 billion and demanding Rp 3.5 billion.

“The request was granted,” Asep said, adding that the payment, in Singapore dollars, was delivered to Donna through two intermediaries at a Samarinda hotel. Donna then arranged for the decrees extending the six permits to be delivered to Rudy by a trusted aide.

The case originated in June 2014, when Rudy applied for permit extensions but encountered administrative hurdles. He eventually met with Governor Awang Faroek at the latter’s residence to seek assistance.

Rudy, identified as the bribe giver, has been charged under Article 5 paragraph (1) point a or b, or Article 13 of the 1999 Corruption Law. A longtime coal industry figure, he has served as commissioner of several firms, including Sepiak Jaya Kaltim, Cahaya Bara Kaltim, Bunga Jadi Lestari, and Anugerah Pancaran Bulan, and holds a 5 percent stake in Tara Indonusa Coal.

Investigators believe Rudy bribed officials to obtain concessions in protected forest areas. While the KPK has not estimated financial losses, the commission said corruption in mining permits is systemic, fueling deforestation and environmental destruction that have cost the state hundreds of trillions of rupiah.