Jakarta. The National Police have launched an investigation into an alleged corruption scheme involving coal supplies to state-owned power plants, saying suspected procurement irregularities may have caused state losses of about Rp 5 trillion (approximately $277.7 million) and contributed to recent widespread power outages.

The National Police's Anti-Corruption Corps said on Monday that investigators have begun examining alleged corruption and money laundering linked to coal procurement contracts dating back to 2018.

Totok Suharyanto, head of the Anti-Corruption Corps, said the investigation remains at a preliminary stage, and police have not identified any suspects or announced criminal charges. According to him,  investigators have already collected documents, interviewed witnesses, and analyzed preliminary evidence.

“Police have found indications of irregularities in the procurement process and the fulfillment of coal supply contracts for state-owned power plants involving several companies,” Totok told a news conference in Jakarta.

At the same briefing, Anti-Corruption Enforcement Director Robertus Yohanes De Deo said investigators suspect manipulation of documents related to both the quality and quantity of coal delivered to power plants.

Police are also examining allegations that contract payments did not correspond to the actual volume of coal supplied, potentially resulting in financial losses to the state.

According to investigators, the alleged practices may have disrupted coal deliveries to power plants and contributed to the large-scale electricity outages reported in several regions in recent weeks.

“As a result of these alleged actions, together with the broader economic impact of the blackouts, preliminary estimates indicate potential state losses of approximately Rp 5 trillion,” Yohanes said.