Police find 74kg of gold bars and $28.5 million cash in secret safe

In a luxury residence south of Jakarta, Indonesian police uncovered a significant hidden stash of wealth: 74 kilograms of gold bars, worth an estimated $14 million, concealed within a secret safe. The discovery was made behind a seemingly ordinary wooden wall panel, which swung open to reveal the secure compartment.

Video footage shared on social media showed officers excitedly reacting to the find. A locksmith, called to the scene in Bogor, West Java, reported that the safe, though expensive and secure, was opened within 15 minutes. Inside, alongside the gold, police found seven small suitcases overflowing with cash in multiple currencies, amounting to approximately $28.5 million.

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We have observed a tendency for gold to be used as one of the mediums for bribery or gratification in several cases it has handled.

The quantity of gold discovered is notable, exceeding the amount used in Indonesia's own National Monument, a 132-meter obelisk adorned with a gold-leaf flame. Official records indicate that 72 kilograms of gold were used in the monument's construction.

This seizure comes amid growing concerns about corruption in Indonesia. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has observed a tendency for gold to be used as a medium for bribery and gratification. While not the predominant tool for corruption, its use in several ongoing cases has drawn attention. The KPK spokesperson noted that each corruption case has unique methods, but acknowledged the trend. The attractiveness of gold is further amplified by the Indonesian rupiah's performance against the US dollar this year, making gold a relatively stable store of value.

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The KPK's view is that every corruption case has its own characteristics, methods, and forms of receiving illicit proceeds.