ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Muhammad Riza Chalid, a figure at the center of one of Indonesia’s largest oil corruption cases, has officially become an international fugitive.
On January 23, 2026, Interpol issued a Red Notice seeking his arrest in connection with alleged corruption linked to the country’s oil management system.
Interpol’s Red Notice — a global alert circulated among law enforcement agencies in all member countries — marks a major escalation in the pursuit of Chalid, whose activities have drawn intense scrutiny from Indonesian authorities.
Brigadier General Untung Widyatmoko, Secretary of the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Interpol at the Indonesian National Police, confirmed the notice during a press briefing in South Jakarta on Sunday, February 1, 2026, stressing that coordination with international partners is now fully underway.
“Interpol red notice for Muhammad Riza Chalid — also known as MRC — was issued on Friday, January 23, 2026,” Brig. Gen. Untung said.
He also emphasized that NCB Interpol Indonesia will support all necessary law enforcement actions to ensure Chalid’s arrest, wherever he may be located abroad.
Allegations: Manipulating Pertamina and Costing Billions
Chalid was named a suspect by Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office on July 10, 2025, in a sprawling corruption case involving the governance and management of crude oil and refined product operations at state-owned energy company PT Pertamina and its subsidiaries.
According to prosecutors, Chalid was the beneficial owner of PT Navigator Khatulistiwa and PT Orbit Terminal, companies allegedly used to rig oil terminal lease arrangements at Merak, West Java, through undue influence on Pertamina’s strategic decisions.
Prosecutors argue that these maneuvers occurred even when additional storage capacity was not needed, suggesting the agreements served private interests rather than public good.
The case spans activities from 2018 to 2023 and has already ensnared 18 other suspects. Investigators claim the scheme inflicted enormous losses on the Indonesian state.
Financial Impact: Around $17 Billion in Losses
Indonesian authorities estimate that the misconduct caused a state financial and economic loss of about IDR 285 trillion — equivalent to approximately $17.3 billion U.S. dollars when using an exchange rate near IDR 16,500 per dollar as projected for 2026.
This staggering figure includes both apparent budgetary losses and broader economic damages arising from distorted energy market management.
Chalid is also charged under Indonesia’s Anti-Money Laundering laws, deepening the severity of the accusations against him.
What a Red Notice Means
A Red Notice issued by Interpol does not itself compel arrest, but it serves as an international request to law enforcement agencies to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition proceedings.
Member countries receive detailed information about the suspect and are encouraged to act according to local law.
Interpol’s Red Notice mechanism is a cornerstone of cross-border criminal justice cooperation, enabling countries to track and detain fugitives who attempt to evade prosecution by crossing borders.
Global Reach, Narrowing Options
With the Red Notice disseminated to nearly 200 member countries, Riza Chalid’s options for safe haven are shrinking. Indonesian investigators are now relying on international networks to bring him to justice, even as authorities acknowledge the complex legal and diplomatic coordination such cases entail. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel