Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, former Director General of Informatics Applications (Aptika) at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (now the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs), has been sentenced to six years in prison. The Jakarta Central District Court found Pangerapan guilty of accepting bribes connected to the corruption surrounding the Temporary National Data Center (Pusat Data Nasional Sementara, PDNS) project.
The Verdict and Penalties
Judge Lucy Ermawati ruled on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, that Pangerapan was “legally and convincingly proven guilty” of participating in a corruption conspiracy. In addition to the prison sentence, Pangerapan was fined Rp500 million (US$30,000), with the possibility of 140 additional days in prison if the fine is not paid.
The court also ordered Pangerapan to pay Rp6.5 billion (US$384,000) in restitution. However, as he had already returned Rp6 billion (US$354,000) during the investigation, he is now responsible for the remaining Rp500 million, or an additional six months in prison.
The Bribery Scheme and its Impact
The court determined that the Rp6.5 billion (US$384,000) bribe from Alfi Asman of PT Aplikanusa Lintasarta was a kickback to secure the company’s involvement in government digital infrastructure projects between 2020 and 2022. These illicit dealings resulted in estimated state losses of Rp140.86 billion (US$8.3 million), with PT Aplikanusa Lintasarta benefiting from inflated procurement arrangements and substandard project outcomes.
Sentencing of Co-Conspirators
Pangerapan was not the only individual sentenced in connection with the PDNS project. Bambang Dwi Anggono, Director of Government Informatics Services at the Ministry, received a nine-year prison sentence and a Rp1.5 billion (US$88,500) fine. Alfi Asman was sentenced to six years in prison, while Pini Panggar Agusti, an Account Manager at PT Dokotel Teknologi, received a six-year sentence and a Rp1 billion (US$59,000) fine. Nova Zanda, a Commitment-Making Officer at the Ministry, was sentenced to five years in prison.
Legal Considerations and Potential Appeals
Judge Ermawati stated that Pangerapan’s actions undermined efforts to strengthen digital governance and combat corruption, causing significant financial damage to the state. The court’s sentences were slightly less severe than the prosecution’s requests of seven years for Pangerapan and ten years for Bambang Dwi Anggono. The defendants and prosecutors both have a seven-day window to consider filing an appeal.
The convictions were made under Article 603 of Indonesia’s National Criminal Code (KUHP) in conjunction with the Anti-Corruption Law (Law No. 31/1999 as amended by Law No. 20/2001), which allows for penalties of up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment, and fines up to Rp1 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan convicted of?
Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan was convicted of participating in a corruption conspiracy related to the Temporary National Data Center (PDNS) project, specifically accepting a bribe.
How much money was involved in the bribery scheme?
The bribery scheme involved a Rp6.5 billion (US$384,000) bribe paid by Alfi Asman, former Business Director of PT Aplikanusa Lintasarta.
What is the maximum penalty under the relevant laws?
Under Article 603 of Indonesia’s National Criminal Code (KUHP) and the Anti-Corruption Law, the maximum penalty for corruption-related offenses involving state officials is up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment, and fines up to Rp1 billion.
As Indonesia continues to develop its digital infrastructure, how might this case influence future government procurement processes and oversight mechanisms?
