Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has publicly addressed the emergence of the name Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budi Utama in a recent bribery indictment related to customs affairs. The Minister’s remarks come amidst growing scrutiny of the high-ranking official.
Speaking from the Ministry of Finance office in Central Jakarta on Thursday (May 7), Purbaya outlined the government’s cautious approach. “We will observe until the case is as clear as possible; only then will we take action,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding of the legal situation.
Purbaya further elaborated that the legal proceedings are currently unfolding. He indicated no immediate plans to implement any measures, including the temporary suspension of Djaka from his current position. This stance highlights the government’s commitment to allowing the judicial process to run its course before administrative actions are considered.
Emphasizing his position, the Minister added, “No. He will not be (temporarily suspended) until the process there is clear. It has only just begun. His name has just emerged; we cannot immediately suspend him.” This underscores the principle of awaiting concrete judicial outcomes.
The mention of Djaka Budi Utama’s name stems from the indictment of John Field, the owner of Blueray Cargo, concerning an alleged import bribery case. This significant indictment was read by a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutor at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday (May 6), bringing the accusations into the public domain.
According to the detailed indictment, Djaka’s name appeared in connection with a series of meetings between officials from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) and various cargo entrepreneurs. These clandestine gatherings, purportedly aimed at “conditioning import lanes” for illicit activities, reportedly took place at the Borobudur Hotel Jakarta around July 2025.
The KPK prosecutor’s indictment specifically detailed these encounters, stating: “Meetings were held between officials from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, including Djaka Budi Utama, Rizal, Sisprian Subiaksono, and Orlando Hamonangan Sianipar, and cargo entrepreneurs.” This highlights the alleged systemic nature of the illicit dealings.
Further allegations presented by the prosecutor indicate a substantial flow of illicit funds. Between July 2025 and January 2026, John Field, along with individuals identified as Dedy and Andri, allegedly provided a total sum equivalent to Rp 61.3 billion, paid in Singaporean dollars, to several of these implicated DJBC officials.
Beyond the direct monetary transactions, the indictment also suggests other forms of alleged corruption. In addition to the significant monetary payments, the accused are also alleged to have provided entertainment facilities and luxury goods valued at Rp 1.845 billion to a number of these officials, further illustrating the scope of the alleged benefits received.
Summary
Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa addressed the emergence of Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budi Utama’s name in a bribery indictment. Purbaya stated the government will await clarity in the legal proceedings before taking any administrative action, emphasizing that no immediate suspension would occur as the process has just begun. He underscored the principle of allowing the judicial process to run its course.
Djaka’s name appeared in the indictment of John Field, owner of Blueray Cargo, concerning an alleged import bribery case read by a KPK prosecutor. The indictment detailed alleged meetings between DJBC officials, including Djaka, and cargo entrepreneurs around July 2025 to “condition import lanes.” Allegations include Rp 61.3 billion in illicit funds paid to DJBC officials, along with entertainment facilities and luxury goods valued at Rp 1.845 billion, between July 2025 and January 2026.
