Indonesian nickel corruption investigation

The Indonesian Attorney General’s Office has seized Rp401.65 billion from PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama (PT CNI) as part of an investigation into alleged corruption regarding nickel governance in Southeast Sulawesi between 2017 and 2020.

Investigators have identified several alleged illegal practices, including operating without a Work Plan and Budget (RKAB), manipulating nickel content levels to meet export requirements, and utilizing fraudulent documents. Officials clarified that although PT CNI’s nickel smelter was previously designated as a National Strategic Project (PSN) under the Jokowi administration, this investigation focuses on activities conducted outside of regulations and is unrelated to the company’s PSN status.

The seized funds have been deposited into a government account at Bank Mandiri to recover state financial losses as calculated by the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK). While the case has moved into the investigation stage, the seizure does not halt legal proceedings.

Boyamin Saiman, coordinator of the Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI), and other advocates have praised the systematic, result-oriented approach of the new Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Kuntadi, describing the focus on asset recovery and state loss mitigation as a “positive step toward restoring public trust in the institution.”