Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named five individuals as suspects in a bribery case involving tax reduction at the North Jakarta Medium Tax Service Office (KPP Madya Jakarta Utara). The arrests occurred during a sting operation on January 9-10, 2026, related to slashing PT Wanatiara Persada's tax liability from Rp75 billion to Rp15.7 billion. The Rp4 billion bribe was disguised via a fictitious contract and converted to Singapore dollars.
Between September and December 2025, PT Wanatiara Persada (PT WP) reported its 2023 Land and Building Tax (PBB) obligations to the North Jakarta Medium Tax Service Office (KPP Madya Jakarta Utara). The examination team identified a potential underpayment of Rp75 billion. Following negotiations, this was reduced to Rp15.7 billion, cutting state revenue by about Rp59.3 billion or 80 percent.
In the process, Agus Syaifudin (AGS), Head of the Supervision and Consultation Section at KPP Madya Jakarta Utara, allegedly demanded an 'all in' payment of Rp23 billion, with Rp8 billion as a fee to be shared among related parties in the Directorate General of Taxes. PT WP agreed to Rp4 billion, disguised through a fictitious partnership with PT NBK owned by consultant Abdul Kadim Sahbudin (ABD). The funds were converted to Singapore dollars and distributed in cash across Jabodetabek in January 2026.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation (OTT) on the night of January 9 and early January 10, securing eight individuals, including four tax officials. Five suspects were named: Dwi Budi Iswahyu (DWB) as KPP Head, AGS, Askob Bahtiar (ASB) as Evaluation Team member, ABD, and Edy Yulianto (EY) as PT WP staff. They were detained for 20 days starting January 11, 2026, at KPK's detention facility.
Bribery givers ABD and EY are charged under Article 5 paragraph (1) a or b or Article 13 of the Corruption Law jo Article 20 of the 2023 Criminal Code. Recipients DWB, AGS, and ASB face Article 12 a or b or 12B of the Corruption Law or Article 606 paragraph (2) of the Penal Adjustment Law jo Article 20 of the Criminal Code. The case involves mining sector taxes.
The KPK press conference on January 11, 2026, did not display the suspects, adopting the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) effective January 2, 2026, which emphasizes human rights protection and presumption of innocence. "The new KUHAP focuses more on human rights," said Acting Deputy Asep Guntur Rahayu.
KPK seized cash, foreign currency, and precious metals worth Rp6 billion. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated legal assistance would be provided and awaited investigation results. The Directorate General of Taxes committed to dismissal if proven, with zero tolerance for corruption.
