Former Indonesian Ombudsman chief apologizes ahead of trial for bribery charges

Former Indonesian Ombudsman Chairman Hery Susanto has publicly apologized and requested prayers as he faces his first trial for alleged gratification charges. The trial, which commenced at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court, centers on accusations that Susanto accepted a significant bribe.

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Masya Allah, I ask for prayers and apologize for the mistakes made.

Susanto is accused of receiving Rp 1.5 billion (approximately $92,000 USD) from PT Toshida Indonesia. Prosecutors allege that this payment was intended to influence the outcome of an inspection report (LHP) that the Ombudsman was preparing regarding the company's tax revenue calculations. The company reportedly disputed a state revenue calculation of around Rp 130 billion related to its operations.

During his appearance at the court, Susanto, wearing a pink detainee vest, expressed his remorse to the public and asked for prayers, acknowledging his mistakes. He also appealed for his past good deeds during his tenure at the Ombudsman to be remembered, emphasizing his commitment to serving the public's complaints.

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Of course, so I ask for prayers also if there are good things that I have done because, in any case, the Ombudsman serves public complaints and I always ignited that spirit, that we must serve public complaints.

The investigation, led by the Attorney General's Office for Special Crimes, has also named the owner of PT Toshida Indonesia, Laode Sinarwan Oda, as a suspect for allegedly offering the bribe. Reports indicate that investigators are exploring similar alleged bribery schemes involving at least 17 other companies, suggesting a potentially wider pattern of corruption.

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I say once again, I apologize if there were mistakes made and I ask for prayers if there were also good deeds done. Thank you.