MNC Group to Appeal Rp531 Billion Fine in Dispute with Jusuf Hamka's Company

MNC Group, a prominent media conglomerate in Indonesia, is gearing up to challenge a recent court decision that mandates a substantial payment of approximately Rp531 billion (around US$28 million) to PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Tbk (CMNP), owned by businessman Jusuf Hamka. The legal team for MNC Group, led by Chris Taufik, has expressed strong reservations about the ruling, citing numerous irregularities that warrant an appeal. Central to their argument is the assertion that the primary liability for the debt in question, related to Non-Performing Loans (NPLs), should fall upon PT Bank Unibank Tbk, the issuer of the notes, along with its directors, commissioners, and shareholders. MNC Group contends that they were merely a broker or arranger in the transaction and should not bear the brunt of the payment, especially since Unibank was declared a Bank Beku Kegiatan Usaha (Bank with Frozen Business Activities) in 2001. Furthermore, MNC Group points to the fact that CMNP has already received tax restitution from the state in 2013, adding another layer to their defense. The group also questions the propriety of a press release issued by the Central Jakarta District Court on April 22, 2026, which they claim prematurely revealed the judges' considerations before the full verdict was made available to the company. This planned appeal underscores the high stakes involved in the legal battle and highlights MNC Group's determination to contest the ruling through all available legal avenues, including the High Court and potentially cassation and judicial review.

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The ruling is not yet final and has not yet acquired legal force. The company will file an appeal against the ruling due to many irregularities in the decision.