Ombudsman Ethics Council Awaits Defense from Chairman Amid Corruption Probe

The Ethics Council of the Ombudsman is awaiting a direct defense from its non-active chairman, Hery Susanto, who is accused of ethical violations concerning the alleged trading of examination reports. Susanto did not appear for a scheduled hearing on May 25, 2026, as the Attorney General's Office did not permit his attendance. The council has since requested a written defense.

Council member Jimly Asshiddiqie stated that while Susanto's legal team had provided information, the council needs Susanto's personal statement. "Since it is not possible to attend the examination, we requested written information," Asshiddiqie said at a press conference on May 29, 2026. He emphasized that Susanto still has the right to defend himself, and his statement could lead to a lighter sanction.

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Since it is not possible to attend the examination, we requested written information.

The Ethics Council has set a deadline of Friday evening, May 29, 2026, for Susanto to submit his written defense. Asshiddiqie noted that if Susanto were to offer his resignation in writing, it could be a mitigating factor for the council. The Attorney General's Office had previously named Susanto a suspect on April 15, 2026, in a corruption case related to nickel mining governance between 2013 and 2025, alleging he received Rp 1.5 billion in bribes.

The Ethics Council, formed in May 2026, aims to investigate alleged breaches of ethical codes by Susanto. Its members include Jimly Asshiddiqie, former Constitutional Court Chief Justice Bagir Manan, BRIN researcher Siti Zuhro, and two Ombudsman members. Asshiddiqie stressed the importance of ethical enforcement for maintaining public trust and the institution's integrity, with potential sanctions ranging from a written reprimand to dishonorable discharge.

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But today there is still none (Hery's statement). For example, if he later states in writing that he resigns, perhaps that can be a basis for us to lighten the sentence.