PT CNI returns 401 billion rupiah, but Indonesia’s AGO says nickel corruption case will continue

Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office has seized 401 billion rupiah returned by PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama, but said the payment will not stop the criminal case against the nickel company.

Anang Supriatna, head of the AGO’s Legal Information Center, said the case had been upgraded to the investigation stage by the deputy attorney general for special crimes. The money has been placed in a government deposit account at Bank Mandiri.

“The case continues. Clearly, returning the money does not stop the criminal process, which continues,” Anang told reporters. He said the returned funds would nevertheless be considered in subsequent legal proceedings.

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The case continues. Clearly, returning the money does not stop the criminal process, which continues.

The investigation concerns alleged corruption in PT CNI’s nickel governance in Southeast Sulawesi between 2017 and 2020. Prosecutors allege that the company arranged nickel-grade test documents so exports could meet requirements above 1.7 percent.

Investigators also allege that PT CNI operated without a required Work Plan and Budget, continued exporting nickel, worked with state officials to manipulate grade data and used invalid documents. Anang said the case was unrelated to a National Strategic Project designated by former President Joko Widodo, describing it instead as involving mining activity and exports outside applicable rules.

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No, no. It is not related to the National Strategic Project.