The Jakarta Corruption Court sentenced former Ombudsman Chairman Hery Susanto to five years in prison on Thursday, November 5, 2026, for his role in a bribery case involving the issuance of maladministration documents. In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Susanto to pay restitution of Rp 3.875 billion.
Court seizes property for restitution
Presiding judge Dwi Elyarahma Sulistyowati declared Susanto legally and convincingly guilty of corruption under the primary alternative charge. Beyond the prison sentence, Susanto was fined Rp 300 juta, with a provision that failure to pay would result in an additional 100 days of confinement. The court also ordered that a house owned by Susanto, located in Pulo Gebang Permai Blok B5 Number 10, Kelurahan Pulo Gebang, Kecamatan Cakung, East Jakarta, be seized and calculated toward the required restitution payment.
The ruling includes a contingency for the restitution: if the total amount of Rp 3.875 billion is not settled, Susanto must serve an additional three years in prison. The court ordered that he remain in custody following the verdict.
Did You Know? The sentence handed down by the court is shorter than the five-year-and-six-month term originally requested by prosecutors during the September 24, 2026, hearing. Prosecutors had also sought a higher restitution amount of Rp 4,19 miliar.
Defense Objections and Potential Appeals
Following the verdict, Susanto and his legal team, led by Alex Candra, expressed strong disagreement with the court’s decision. Candra stated that the ruling appeared to rely heavily on the prosecutor’s initial indictment rather than evidence presented during the trial. The defense specifically contested the inclusion of the Pulo Gebang property, with Susanto asserting that the house does not belong to him.
The defense also challenged the court’s findings regarding alleged financial flows, including a disputed fee from PT Tosida to Lukman and a separate payment from PT Dinamika Sejahtera Mandiri (DSM). The defense team noted that witness Agung Winarno—a defendant in a money laundering case alongside former Supreme Court official Zarof Ricar—had denied receiving the latter funds from Lukman Malanuang during testimony. Susanto also disputed evidence regarding his brother, Idi Sugandi. Susanto indicated that he is currently consulting with his counsel to determine whether to file a formal appeal against the conviction and the associated asset forfeiture. “Nanti saya akan bicarakan sama PH saya, Pak Alex Candra,” pungkas Hery.
Judge explains Susanto’s corruption conviction
Why was Hery Susanto brought to trial?
Susanto was charged and convicted for accepting bribes related to the issuance of documents involving maladministration. Prosecutors built their case on violations of the Anti-Corruption Law, specifically Article 12 letter a in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999.
What happens to the house in Pulo Gebang mentioned in the verdict?
The court ordered that the property, located at Pulo Gebang Permai Blok B5 Number 10, be used as payment toward the Rp 3.875 billion restitution. Susanto and his legal team have formally disputed this, claiming the asset does not belong to him.
What is the next step for the defendant?
Susanto has stated he will discuss the verdict with his lawyer, Alex Candra, to decide whether to pursue an appeal. Under the current ruling, he remains in detention while these legal options are considered.
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