KPK questions Adaro employee over alleged tax bribery in Banjarmasin

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned an employee of PT Adaro Andalan Indonesia for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within the Madya Tax Office in Banjarmasin. The employee, identified by the initial J, is reportedly responsible for handling the tax affairs of several companies, including PT Adaro Energy Indonesia and PT Alamtri Resources Indonesia.

KPK's Acting Director of Investigation, Achmad Taufik Husein, stated that J's testimony is crucial to confirm allegations of payments made to tax officials. These alleged bribes were reportedly linked to the processing of a Value Added Tax (VAT) restitution claim for PT Buana Karya Bhakti, which sought over Rp48 billion.

This case is an expansion of a sting operation conducted by the KPK in February 2026, which resulted in the arrest of three individuals: the head of the KPP Madya Banjarmasin, a tax official, and a finance manager. The investigation has already led to the seizure of substantial assets, including US$680,000, 1.3 kilograms of gold, and Rp100 million in cash. The KPK has indicated that further details will be released once the investigation is complete.