ABC NEWS – Indonesian authorities have reportedly contacted a number of Singapore-based trading firms seeking their cooperation in a US$ 12 billion (approx Rp 197 trillion) corruption probe involving PT Pertamina (Persero).
The oil traders received notices earlier this month, asking them to assist Indonesia’s Attorney General by answering questions about overall governance and past transactions, according to several people who were sent or saw the invitations.
They asked not to be named as they are not authorized to speak publicly. Communications had previously attempted to invite the traders to Jakarta.
However, the people said that the latest letter, sent from an e-post address belonging to Pertamina, mentioned that the interviews would be conducted at Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, without confirming a date.
There is no indication that those summoned to assist with the investigation have been accused of any wrongdoing.
Indonesian authorities arrested executives from a subsidiary of Pertamina in February over allegations that they encouraged the refinery to import highly-priced crude oil and oil products from abroad, causing state losses.
More Pertamina executives, including Nicke Widyawati, the company’s former managing director, have been questioned in the widening investigation.
President Prabowo Subianto has sought to strengthen his grip on Indonesia’s state-owned companies since taking office last year.
These companies, including Pertamina, have been consolidated into a new investment fund, Danantara, which reports directly to him.
Shortly after his inauguration last year, Prabowo also appointed a senior member of his political party to a top post at Pertamina.
The Attorney General’s Office in Jakarta confirmed several Singapore-based companies had been summoned, but said no interviews had been conducted.
“Through our attachés and investigators, we are trying to re-establish communication with some Singaporean oil companies to support Pertamina’s investigation. We have invited them again to Jakarta,” spokesman Harli Siregar said recently.
“One of the options being considered is to contact them directly in Singapore,” he said. “However, that remains an option for now.”
Singapore’s CPIB said it could not comment on whether any individuals or entities were involved in the corruption probe.
A spokesperson for Pertamina said the parent company was not involved in the request and declined to comment further.
Singapore is not an oil producer, but the city-state is Asia’s most important commodity trading hub, hosting a large community of marketers, shippers and financiers.
In addition, the country has an extensive network of onshore storage tanks that help with the storage and distribution of everything from gasoline to diesel across the region.
Indonesia relies on energy imports, and Singapore-based companies are regular participants in gasoline and crude oil purchase tenders conducted by Pertamina.
(Red)
