The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has taken decisive action, naming and immediately arresting Budiman Bayu Prasojo, a prominent Customs and Excise official, as a new suspect in an ongoing corruption investigation. This significant development underscores the KPK’s unwavering commitment to rooting out illicit practices within key government institutions.
Confirming the arrest, KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo informed journalists on Thursday, February 26, that Budiman was apprehended at the central office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in Jakarta. He was subsequently transported directly to the KPK’s Red and White Building for intensive examination. The arrest, executed around 4:00 PM WIB, marks a critical step in the anti-graft agency’s probe.
Budiman Bayu Prasojo faces serious charges under Article 12 B of the Corruption Law (UU Tipikor), specifically addressing gratification, in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of the new Criminal Code (KUHP baru), which pertains to participation in criminal acts. These charges reflect the gravity of the allegations against the seasoned Customs official.
This latest designation of a suspect is a direct expansion of a complex bribery case involving alleged illicit practices within import lanes, a case that the KPK initially uncovered through an earlier Operation Sting (OTT). Investigators believe Budiman is intrinsically linked to the discovery of Rp 5 billion (five billion rupiah) in cash, found packed into a suitcase at a safe house in Ciputat during a prior KPK raid.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo further elaborated on the rigorous investigation, stating that “Following the results of that raid, investigators delved deeper by questioning various witnesses to ascertain the origin and intended purpose of these funds. This meticulous inquiry ultimately led the KPK to name BPP as a new suspect in this case.” Budi added that the discovered money, believed to have originated from various customs and excise processes, was allegedly earmarked for the “operational activities” of the implicated individuals, a matter that remains under intense scrutiny.
The KPK spokesperson did not dismiss the possibility of further developments in the case, including the potential identification of additional suspects as the investigation progresses. Crucially, the KPK is working in close cooperation with the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Finance and the Internal Oversight Unit within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. This collaborative effort signals the full support from both the Ministry of Finance and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise for the ongoing law enforcement process.
As of now, Budiman Bayu Prasojo has not issued any statement regarding his designation as a suspect. His professional background includes a tenure in various significant roles within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, such as Head of Enforcement Section II, Head of Sea Patrol Section II, and Head of Excise Intelligence Section, underscoring his senior standing within the institution.
Summary
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named and immediately arrested Budiman Bayu Prasojo, a Customs and Excise official, as a new suspect in an ongoing corruption investigation. He was apprehended on Thursday, February 26, at the central office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in Jakarta and then transported for examination. Budiman faces serious charges under Article 12 B of the Corruption Law for gratification and Article 20 letter c of the new Criminal Code regarding participation in criminal acts.
This arrest is an expansion of a complex bribery case involving alleged illicit practices within import lanes, which the KPK initially uncovered through an earlier operation. Investigators link Budiman to the discovery of Rp 5 billion in cash found during a prior raid, believed to originate from various customs and excise processes. The KPK is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and Customs and Excise internal units, indicating that further developments and additional suspects are possible as the investigation continues.