Jakarta. Indonesia’s anti-graft agency says Interpol’s red notice against oil trader Mohammad Riza Chalid strengthens efforts to pursue corruption cases involving state energy firm Pertamina.

The Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) spokesperson, Budi Prasetyo, said Riza Chalid is linked to multiple cases being handled by both the KPK and the Attorney General’s Office.

“With the red notice in place, the investigation process can become more effective, given that the individual concerned is connected to cases at the KPK as well as the Attorney General’s Office,” Budi told reporters at the KPK headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The KPK is probing alleged corruption in Pertamina’s fuel catalyst procurement, a case in which investigators are examining Riza Chalid’s suspected involvement. Budi confirmed the case has entered the formal investigation stage, although no suspects have yet been named as the inquiry is still operating under a general investigation warrant.

“This is still being examined because we are using a general warrant,” he said. “No suspects have been determined yet. But it is clear that the case has moved into the investigation phase and is ongoing.”

Investigators are tracing Riza Chalid’s alleged role based on testimony from Chrisna Damayanto, a former director of processing at Pertamina. The KPK is scrutinizing suspected bribery flows and possible manipulation surrounding the catalyst procurement project.

Separately, the Attorney General’s Office is pursuing several cases involving Riza Chalid, including alleged corruption in crude oil procurement at Pertamina Trading Energy Limited (Petral). Prosecutors are also investigating broader graft allegations related to the governance of crude oil and refined fuel products at Petral, Pertamina Energy Services (PES), and Pertamina’s integrated supply chain unit over the 2008–2017 period.

In a subsequent case, prosecutors have named Riza Chalid and his son, Muhammad Kerry Adrianto Riza, as suspects in a corruption investigation into crude oil and refinery product management at Pertamina between 2018 and 2023. Prosecutors allege that Riza conspired with Pertamina executives to manipulate crude oil procurement and lease fuel storage terminals without operational necessity, causing estimated state losses of Rp 285 trillion ($17.5 billion).

Budi said the KPK will continue to coordinate closely with the Attorney General’s Office and the National Police, noting potential overlaps across cases.

“The KPK, the Attorney General’s Office, and the police are in intensive communication and coordination,” he said.

Interpol issued the red notice on Jan. 23, at the request of the Indonesian National Police, following confirmation that Riza Chalid had fled overseas. Authorities previously said he was traced to Kuala Lumpur, according to Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto.

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