Head of Sungai Lumpur Port Authority Unit Named Suspect in Extortion Case

The Head of the Sungai Lumpur Port Authority Unit (KUPP) Class III, identified by the initial IM, has been declared a suspect by the South Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office for alleged extortion related to shipping permit processing. The suspect was apprehended during a sting operation at his residence in Palembang on Thursday morning.

Investigators from the South Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office swiftly searched two residences, seizing 143.2 million Indonesian rupiah in cash, which was reportedly collected from various companies. The search also yielded five ATM cards, important documents, transaction records, seven mobile phones, and a tablet computer.

Initial investigations suggest IM demanded money beyond the official Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) for processing ship permits, specifically the Surat Persetujuan Berlayar (SPB). Companies that refused to pay allegedly faced difficulties or delays in obtaining their documents. IM has been in his position since October 2024, and the alleged illegal practice could have generated between 100 million to 200 million rupiah weekly.

One victim, PT Rizkia Andalas Nusantara, reported paying 20 million to 30 million rupiah monthly to IM to ensure their 20 tugboats and pontoons could operate. The South Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office plans to expand the investigation by questioning 15 other shipping service companies to further probe the alleged extortion practices and trace the flow of funds.

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Currently, investigators are still exploring the alleged flow of funds and tracing how many times this practice has occurred.