A criminal law expert from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Hibnu Nugroho, believes the Attorney General's Office should take over the investigation into alleged corruption in mining permits in Konawe Utara, which KPK halted via SP3. He argues this is necessary due to significant state losses and signs of external intervention. The takeover is legally unproblematic if driven by public demand.
Jakarta – Criminal law expert Hibnu Nugroho from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman states that the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) should take over the case of alleged corruption in mining permits in Konawe Utara, Southeast Sulawesi, after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) halted its investigation via a Termination of Investigation Letter (SP3) in early 2026.
Hibnu explains that the SP3 was issued due to insufficient evidence, although the incident occurred. "In this context, the prosecution can take over the case. What is lacking at KPK? Thus, taking over this case is very good, because the state loss is extraordinary," he said on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
He emphasizes that legally, there is no issue for Kejagung to develop the case, as long as it does not directly continue KPK's investigation but instead seeks additional evidence. "It depends on the public demand regarding the SP3 of this case, so Kejagung can consider whether it is necessary to take over the case," he added.
Hibnu also notes the presence of suspects in the case, indicating preliminary evidence exists. He suspects KPK's halt was influenced by external factors, such as high-level political intervention. "I think there was intervention at KPK. It is possible like that, not purely legal, because talking about mining must have had findings," he concluded.
This case highlights the dynamics of law enforcement in Indonesia, where inter-agency coordination is key to ensuring justice without external obstacles.
