Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned former Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi as a witness for the third time on Monday, March 2, 2026, regarding alleged corruption in the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation. This follows his absences on February 18 and 25. KPK deems his testimony crucial as he was the minister during the period of the case.
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) scheduled the third summons for former Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Jakarta. The call relates to the investigation of alleged bribery in railway construction and maintenance projects under the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed that Budi Karya was set to be examined that morning. "It is true that witness BKS is scheduled this morning for examination by investigators in the DJKA case," he told reporters. He stressed the importance of Budi Karya's testimony, as he served as minister during the case's timeframe. "BKS, as the Minister of Transportation at the time of the case, his statement is certainly needed by investigators to uncover the case at several locations to clarify it," Budi added.
Previously, Budi Karya was examined as a witness on July 26, 2023, in the same case. He missed the February 18, 2026, summons due to a prior scheduled agenda and also absent on February 25. As of now, KPK has not received confirmation of his attendance for the latest summons.
The case emerged from KPK's hand-arrest operation (OTT) on April 11, 2023, at the Class I Railway Technical Office in Central Java Region DJKA, now renamed BTP Class I Semarang. KPK initially named 10 suspects who were detained, and by January 20, 2026, the number of suspects reached 21 individuals and two corporations.
The case involves projects such as the double-track railway construction from Solo Balapan-Kadipiro-Kalioso; railway line in Makassar, South Sulawesi; four construction projects and two supervision projects in Lampegan Cianjur, West Java; and level crossing repairs in Java-Sumatra. Allegations include rigging of project winners through manipulation from administrative processes to tender determination.
