Police Raid Home of Top Indonesian Prosecutor; He Questions Link to Blackouts, Advises Audit

Febrie Ardiansyah, Indonesia's Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus), has publicly addressed the discovery of Rp476 billion (approximately $30 million USD) in assets and cash at his Sentul, Bogor residence. During a press conference, Ardiansyah stated his willingness to be accountable for the found evidence and funds, which were seized by a joint investigative team from Polda Metro Jaya and the National Police's Directorate of Corruption Crimes (Kortastipidkor).

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I also don't understand what connection I, as Jampidsus, have with the blackout?

Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, Ardiansyah questioned his alleged connection to recent widespread power outages, or blackouts, in Indonesia. Reports suggest these blackouts may be linked to issues in coal procurement for power plants. Ardiansyah expressed his lack of understanding regarding any potential link between his role as Jampidsus and the blackout incidents, stating, "I also don't understand what connection I, as Jampidsus, have with the blackout?"

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But later, we will wait and see how the process unfolds and what the investigators at the Polri convey about the problem and its connection to me.

Instead of directly addressing the allegations, Ardiansyah offered advice to the police investigators. He suggested that before delving into legal proceedings concerning the blackout case, which he understands is related to coal procurement, the authorities should first conduct a comprehensive audit. "If that's the problem, in my opinion, in my opinion, it's best to conduct a thorough audit first," he stated, emphasizing the need to verify the quantity of coal needed, its quality, transaction details, and procurement procedures.

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If that's the problem, in my opinion, in my opinion, it's best to conduct a thorough audit first.

Ardiansyah's remarks indicate a defensive stance while also attempting to redirect the focus towards procedural correctness in investigations. The Attorney General's Office has stated it respects the ongoing police investigation, but Ardiansyah's comments add a unique dynamic to the unfolding case, highlighting potential internal friction or strategic maneuvering within the legal and investigative bodies.

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The audit is to determine the amount of need, the quality that entered, the purchase transactions, up to the procurement procedures.