ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesian authorities have intensified their pursuit of M. Riza Chalid, a prominent oil businessman and fugitive in a high-profile corruption case.
After repeatedly failing to appear for questioning by the Attorney General’s Office, Riza’s whereabouts have finally been traced—in Malaysia.
The Indonesian government is now stepping up international coordination to bring him home and hold him accountable in a major corruption probe involving the management of crude oil and refined products at state-owned energy giant Pertamina.
Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Silmy Karim confirmed that immigration records show Riza Chalid’s last known location to be in Malaysia.
“Based on the information we’ve gathered, Riza Chalid is still in Malaysia,” Silmy Karim told reporters at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Silmy denied speculation that Riza had moved to Singapore.
“We currently have no data confirming his presence in Singapore. All our records point to Malaysia,” he added.
Officially Named a Suspect After Repeated Absences
Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office has officially named Riza Chalid as a suspect in a corruption case involving Pertamina’s crude oil and refinery product management. According to Abdul Qohar, Director of Special Crimes Investigations at the Attorney General’s Office, Riza failed to comply with three consecutive summonses.
“He has been summoned three times but has never appeared. Based on our information, he is currently overseas,” Qohar stated.
Indonesian prosecutors have also coordinated with their counterparts abroad, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia, to locate and secure Riza’s return to face justice.
Travel Ban Imposed, Extradition Under Consideration
As part of legal proceedings, a travel ban has been issued to prevent Riza from leaving the country—though he had already departed before the measure took effect. Authorities are now exploring extradition options.
“We are actively pursuing legal channels across borders. Our goal is clear: to bring Riza Chalid back to Indonesia to face the charges against him,” said Qohar.
Riza Chalid’s case is more than just a matter of individual wrongdoing—it has become emblematic of the broader struggle for transparency and accountability in Indonesia’s energy sector. Once a powerful figure with significant influence, Riza has long been associated with various national controversies in the oil and gas industry.
Now, under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian government is facing a critical test: to prove that no one is above the law. (AT Network)
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