Purbaya Holds Off Action After Customs Chief Named in Corruption Trial
Jakarta. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on Thursday that he has not decided on any administrative action after Customs and Excise Director General Djaka Budhi Utama was named in a corruption indictment related to import handling at Indonesian ports.
Purbaya said the government would respect the legal process and uphold the presumption of innocence as the court proceedings are still in their early stages.
“We will see how the legal process develops. The process has only just begun and his name has only recently emerged. We cannot immediately remove someone,” Purbaya told reporters at the Finance Ministry office in Jakarta.
Djaka’s name surfaced in prosecutors’ indictments against defendants in a Rp 61.3 billion ($3.5 million) corruption case involving alleged manipulation of dwelling time procedures and “red lane” import inspections at ports.
The defendants are accused of bribing customs officials with cash, entertainment facilities, and luxury goods. Court documents stated that Djaka had met several defendants at Hotel Borobudur Jakarta in July 2025, only two months after assuming the office.
Purbaya said the ministry still requires greater clarity regarding Djaka’s position and level of involvement before taking any administrative measures. He added that he had already spoken directly with Djaka to seek an initial explanation.
According to Purbaya, Djaka expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with legal proceedings.
“We will wait until the case becomes fully clear before taking action,” Purbaya said. “We have spoken, and he will follow the legal process. At this stage, the case is still very new.”
The minister also said the Finance Ministry would provide legal assistance if Djaka is summoned for questioning, noting that such support is standard procedure and not intended to interfere with law enforcement.
Separately, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise said it would respect the judicial process and uphold the principle of presumption of innocence.
“Because the matter is already before the court, and to respect the independence of the proceedings, we will not comment on the substance of the case,” spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said in a statement.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
74 Kg of Gold Found at Febrie's Home Was for Islamic Schools, Co-Defendant Claims
Don accused prosecutors of prematurely concluding that the gold and foreign currency found in a hidden safe were proceeds of corruption.Suahasil Inherits Fiscal Credibility Test as Investor Confidence Wavers
Suahasil Nazara faces pressure to restore fiscal credibility as investors seek consistent policies, clearer signals and market confidence.Indonesia’s Tax Chief Flags Irregularities in Purbaya’s Staff Reshuffle
Indonesia’s tax chief flags irregularities in Purbaya’s staff reshuffle over merit-based appointments.US Investors Not Worried by Indonesia’s Finance Minister Switch
US-ASEAN Business Council says that American investors are more concerned about the policy changes rather than who is helming the ministry.Suahasil’s Return Puts Fiscal Discipline at Center of Prabowo’s Economic Policy
Suahasil Nazara takes over as finance minister, with policy consistency and fiscal discipline emerging as key challenges.Suahasil Told to Avoid Business Cost Hikes, Tax Refund Delays
Businesses have laid out their wishlist for the newly appointed Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara.Purbaya Admits Sudden Exit ‘Partly’ due to Internal Shuffling
Ex-Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa speaks up on his sudden dismissal.Indonesian Stocks Gain as Investors Await Suahasil’s Fiscal Policy
Indonesian stocks opened higher as investors weighed Suahasil Nazara’s appointment as finance minister and awaited his fiscal policy.Suahasil Promises Credible, Trusted Finance Ministry after Purbaya Exit
The new Finance Minister pledged credibility and economic stability as experts urged him to go beyond maintaining the fiscal status quo.No Major Change Expected Under New Finance Minister Suahasil
Economists say major shifts will only happen if new Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara is brave enough to make changes.The Latest
Prabowo Calls Meeting on Forest Fires as Haze Reaches Jakarta, Singapore
Prabowo summons senior officials to discuss forest fires as smoke reaches Jakarta and Malaysia pushes for regional action.Jakarta Outranks Amsterdam in Global Public Transport Survey
Jakarta climbs two places to 15th in Time Out's 2026 public transport survey, with its governor citing better network integration.MSCI Concerns, Tighter IDX Trading Rules Send Indonesian Stocks Down 5% by Midday
Indonesian stocks plunge 5% by midday as MSCI concerns weigh on sentiment and the IDX tightens its daily downside limit to 7%.Jakarta Prepares 367 Health Facilities as Haze Reaches the Capital
Jakarta prepares 367 health facilities to treat potential haze-related illnesses after smoke from Sumatra and Kalimantan crosses the region.Jakarta Expands Flood Prevention With New Water Storage Ponds
Jakarta opens two East Jakarta water storage ponds as it expands flood prevention efforts through reservoirs and river normalization.Most Popular
