Indonesia’s KPK Probes Nicke Widyawati over LNG Procurement Scandal

Former Pertamina CEO Nicke Widyawati Quizzed by Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)

In a significant development, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) summoned and questioned former Pertamina CEO, Nicke Widyawati, as a witness in the alleged Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) procurements corruption case. Widyawati chose to remain silent following her examination.

Detikcom’s surveillance at the KPK headquarters in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Friday (10/1/2025), saw Widyawati leaving the building at 10:27 WIB. Notably, she did not issue any statements regarding her interrogation. Clad in a chocolate hijab and a black and white batik outer garment, she promptly exited the KPK building.

Previously, the KPK had also interrogated former Pertamina Komisaris Utama or Commissionaire, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, alias Ahok, as a witness in the same case on Thursday (9/1). Ahok’s examination lasted around an hour.

In this case, former Pertamina President Director Karen Agustiawan has been named as a suspect. Agustiawan was recently sentenced to 9 years in prison and fined IDR 500 million, after being found guilty of violating Article 2 paragraph (1) of the Corruption Eradication Law (UU PTP) in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) point 1 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) and Article 64 paragraph (1) of the KUHP.

However, the court did not impose a penalty for the state loss of USD 113 million, instead ordering the payment to the American company, Corpus Christi Liquefaction LLC. The court argued that Corpus Christi Liquefaction LLC should not have benefited from the LNG procurement process.

Agustiawan has since filed an appeal, which was rejected. Her case has now moved to the Supreme Court (MA), while the KPK continues to develop the case, with new suspects being identified.

(mib/lir)