ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesian prosecutors have arrested fugitive defendant Richard Arief Muljadi upon his return from Singapore, ending a manhunt linked to an alleged coal business fraud case that caused losses of around 7 billion rupiah ($430,000).
The arrest was carried out on Saturday at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) through its Intelligence Reform and Innovation Task Force (SIRI), in coordination with prosecutors from Tangerang and Banjarmasin.
Richard had been listed as a fugitive by the South Kalimantan High Prosecutor’s Office after repeatedly failing to appear in court proceedings related to the case.
“He was cooperative during the arrest process, allowing the operation to proceed smoothly,” AGO spokesperson Anang Supriatna said in a statement.
According to prosecutors, Richard is facing charges of fraud and embezzlement under Indonesia’s Criminal Code in connection with a coal trading business dispute that allegedly resulted in losses of approximately 7 billion rupiah. If convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison.
The case had already been transferred to court, but Richard failed to attend multiple hearings, prompting authorities to place him on the national wanted list.
Following his arrest, Richard was handed over to prosecutors in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, for further legal proceedings.
The Attorney General’s Office said the arrest forms part of a broader effort to track down fugitives and enforce court proceedings across the country.
The agency reiterated its warning that individuals listed on Indonesia’s wanted register should surrender voluntarily and face legal accountability.
“There is no safe hiding place for fugitives,” Anang said, referring to a standing message from Attorney General ST Burhanuddin to wanted suspects and defendants.
Indonesian prosecutors have intensified fugitive-tracking operations in recent years as part of efforts to strengthen law enforcement and ensure legal certainty in criminal cases. (AT Network)
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